Anthony Joshua’s Strategic Path Back to the Top

Joshua’s Planned Return in Late Summer

Eddie Hearn has set the stage for Anthony Joshua’s return to the ring, eyeing August or September for his next fight. This decision comes after Joshua’s recent victory over Francis Ngannou in March, which positioned him as a primary contender for the heavyweight title, currently contested between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

Rebuilding and Remaining Active

Joshua’s journey back from successive defeats at the hands of Usyk has been marked by a string of victories—four wins in less than a year. These triumphs have not only restored his reputation but have also reignited his career, with Joshua eager to maintain his momentum. “The fact he’s had four fights in 11 months—that’s a lot of training camps,” Hearn noted, emphasizing the gruelling schedule that Joshua has undertaken to reclaim his standing in the heavyweight hierarchy.

Eye on the World Title

As Fury and Usyk prepare for their showdown on May 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the outcome could directly influence Joshua’s next steps. Hearn suggests a possible scenario where Joshua could face the winner of the upcoming bout between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois on June 1, a fight that also carries implications for the IBF title. This match-up would keep Joshua in active competition and sharpen his readiness for a title shot.

“The aim now, really, is to fight for a world title. That’s really what he wants to do,” Hearn stated, outlining the clear objective behind Joshua’s rigorous fight schedule and strategic planning.

Potential Venues and Future Prospects

With the global boxing scene watching closely, Hearn also hinted at the possibility of staging a significant fight involving Joshua at Wembley, should circumstances align favourably. However, discussions about the event’s specifics remain open, particularly regarding who will headline. The location choice will hinge on the outcomes of the upcoming fights and negotiations, adding another layer of anticipation to Joshua’s career trajectory.

As the boxing world awaits the outcomes that will shape its next chapter, Joshua’s path is clearly laid out with strategic battles that aim to not only reclaim but also exceed his former glory. Each step is carefully calculated, reflecting a mature approach to a career that has seen both spectacular highs and challenging lows.