Bob Arum Doubts Anthony Joshua’s Future at Elite Level

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has expressed concerns about Anthony Joshua’s ability to remain competitive at the top of the heavyweight division. Arum shared his thoughts on Joshua’s recent clash with Daniel Dubois and offered a sobering assessment of the former world champion’s future in boxing. According to Arum, Joshua may have endured too many punishing bouts to continue performing at the highest level, raising questions about where his career goes from here.

Joshua vs Dubois: A Throwback Heavyweight Battle

Reflecting on Joshua’s bout against Dubois, Arum was unequivocal in his description of the fight. “It was what heavyweight fights used to be; two guys go out, slug each other, and one guy knocks the other one out. I mean, that’s exciting,” he said. It was a throwback to the golden age of heavyweight boxing—brutal and unforgiving. Yet despite the excitement of the contest, Arum remains sceptical about Joshua’s prospects for a rematch with Dubois.

The veteran promoter dismissed any notion of a rematch between Joshua and Dubois, attributing such talk to promotional hyperbole. “There’s no rematch. That’s Eddie Hearn’s bullshit. There was no rematch clause, Dubois signed a two-fight deal with the Saudis,” Arum explained, before adding that Dubois is more likely to face the winner of the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk unification bout, should it materialise. For Arum, this is the path forward for Dubois, not a rematch with Joshua.

Is It Over for Joshua?

Arum’s concerns for Joshua’s future extend beyond this single fight. When asked if Joshua could perform better in a rematch, Arum was forthright. “No, you don’t have an off night getting the shit kicked out of you that way. I just think AJ has been through a lot of wars, and I think it’s over for him and as well over for Wilder.”

This stark assessment places Joshua in a precarious position. The former world champion has been through several gruelling encounters, including his losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk. For Arum, these experiences may have taken a significant toll on the British heavyweight. Arum hinted that a clash between Joshua and Deontay Wilder might still be an exciting match-up, but his underlying message was clear—both fighters may be past their best.

Hearn’s Move to Sign Shakur Stevenson

Arum didn’t only have comments about Joshua and Dubois; he also weighed in on Eddie Hearn’s latest promotional manoeuvre—signing American star Shakur Stevenson. Arum acknowledged Stevenson’s talent, saying, “Shakur’s a great fighter, really a tremendous talent, and I like him very much.” However, Arum revealed that Top Rank had made Stevenson a substantial offer, which he ultimately declined in favour of a deal with Matchroom, backed by Saudi financial power.

“Well, you know, he used the Saudi money to sign Shakur,” Arum remarked, signalling that Stevenson’s choice may have been driven by financial incentives rather than other factors. Despite the competitive nature of the deal, Arum expressed no ill will, simply wishing the young fighter “the best of luck.”

Teofimo Lopez’s Future

The conversation also turned towards another prominent fighter, Teofimo Lopez, who has been out of the ring due to personal issues. Arum confirmed that discussions with Lopez have been ongoing and that the plan is to see him back in action early next year. “We’ve been talking with him and so forth, and he wanted to take some time out,” Arum explained. “But we want to get him back in the ring right after the first of the year.”

Lopez, who captured the imagination of the boxing world with his upset win over Vasiliy Lomachenko, will be eager to re-establish himself as a dominant force in the lightweight division. Arum’s comments suggest that fans can expect to see the young fighter back on the big stage soon.

What Lies Ahead for Joshua?

While Arum’s comments about Joshua’s future are undoubtedly concerning, they reflect the brutal realities of boxing at the highest level. For Joshua, the question is not just whether he can bounce back, but whether he still has the desire and physical capability to compete with the division’s best. Arum’s view may be harsh, but it’s a reminder that, in the unforgiving world of heavyweight boxing, the margins between success and decline are razor-thin.

Whatever comes next, it is clear that Joshua’s career is at a crossroads, and his next move will be critical in determining his future in the sport.