Anthony Joshua’s Next Fight: Career-Defining Choices Ahead

Anthony Joshua was once the shining star of British boxing, but now he faces a pivotal moment in his career following a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. Heading into September’s clash against his Dynamite compatriot, many expected the adored AJ to get back his status as an elite fighter following an impressive comeback tour after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. However, in his first world title shot since those losses to the Ukrainian, the Watford-born star was battered from pillar to post en route to a brutal fifth-round knockout defeat.

Now, many have questioned AJ and whether he should return to the ring. Are his best days behind him, or does he still have enough in the tank to mix it up with the best heavyweights on the planet? Well, if he does decide to put on a pair of gloves again, these three men will almost certainly be willing to trade leather with the former two-time heavyweight champion in his next fight.

Anthony Joshua Next Fight Options

Anthony Joshua Rematch with Dubois

The immediate focus for Joshua could be a rematch with the fearsome Dubois, but after the ruthless beatdown in the first fight, there is no guarantee that the former champ will want any part of a second crack of the whip. DDD has since positioned himself as a formidable contender in the heavyweight division over the past 18 months, bouncing back from a knockout loss to Joe Joyce to reel off three straight knockout victories, claiming and then successfully retaining the IBF title.

Following his victory in the first bout, however, Dubois may well now prioritize other opportunities, such as a potential clash with the winner of the upcoming Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk fight. Dynamite lost to Usyk last year, controversially having a knockdown ruled as a low blow before losing decisively. He would surely like a chance to avenge that defeat and rule as undisputed champion. This situation leaves Joshua in a precarious position, needing to negotiate terms that would entice Dubois back into the ring.

Promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed interest in arranging this rematch, but logistical and strategic considerations could push it beyond the initially expected date. The IBF king wants to get back into the ring as soon as possible before a potential undisputed clash, while AJ wants to wait at least a few months, and after the beating he took, no one can blame him. A successful rematch could revitalize Joshua’s career, but it requires meticulous preparation. The 35-year-old will need to address the tactical errors that led to his defeat, which trainer Ben Davison alluded to in the immediate aftermath of the Wembley clash. Also, the ball is firmly in Dubois’s court, and if he isn’t willing to wait for Joshua to be ready, he may have to look into an alternative option.

Tyson Fury

Beyond Dubois, the prospect of a domestic clash with Tyson Fury continues to captivate the British public. A Joshua-Fury fight has been mooted ever since the Gypsy King dethroned Wladimir Klitschko way back in 2015. Since then, he has taken a mental health-related leave of absence from the ring, returned to reclaim the heavyweight throne, and lost the gold to Usyk. A potential clash between the domestic foes is implicitly tied to the result of Fury and Usyk upcoming rematch.

The Ukrainian technician outpointed his giant opponent earlier this year to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis two decades ago. The pair have agreed to a rematch that will take place in December, a clash where the latest odds on boxing betting at Bovada make Tyson Fury a +145 underdog to win. Should he lose again, then all roads point to Joshua.

Deontay Wilder

Once upon a time, an Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder fight was the biggest draw in boxing. The Bronze Bomber held the WBC title, while his British counterpart held the rest of the gold. An undisputed clash between the two was negotiated but never materialized, and both have since lost their titles. Not only that though – both fighters are now considered to be on the decline. Wilder has lost four of his last five fights – three of them by knockout – including his most recent clash against Chinese slugger Zhilei Zhang.

Joshua has also been on a downturn, and his recent knockout defeat at the hands of Dubois may have spelt the end for him at the world title level. Despite that, a clash between the two rivals would still draw huge box office numbers, and would almost certainly end in a knockout, something fans love to see.