Anthony Joshua Faces Eight Weeks of Recovery: What’s Next for the Former World Champion?
Anthony Joshua is facing a challenging road to recovery after picking up an injury in training, which will see him sidelined for the next eight weeks. This comes as the British heavyweight looks to carve out another world title opportunity following his recent knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois. Whether Joshua will face Tyson Fury, his long-awaited rival, remains uncertain after the Gypsy King’s latest announcement of retirement.
Joshua’s Injury and Recovery
Joshua has not stepped into the ring since his disappointing knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September. Despite the setback, the former two-time world heavyweight champion remains determined to return to top form. However, his promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that Joshua will require eight weeks to recover from a “minor setback” during training.
Frank Warren, a well-known promoter working with a number of heavyweight fighters, has suggested that Joshua should not rush his recovery. Warren emphasized that Joshua can “walk straight in” to a major fight once he’s back in action, urging him to take the time needed for a full recovery.
“All I know is whatever they advise him [Joshua], the majority of the heavyweights are with us,” said Warren. “That door has been taken off the hinges—just walk straight in and we’ll make it.”
Though Joshua may be eager to return to the ring, Warren cautioned that he should take his time and decide on his future when he’s fully ready. “For him, there’s no rush; he’ll decide in his own time what he wants to do. I’m sure his team will support him wholeheartedly whatever his decision is,” said Warren.
The Fury Fight in Limbo
One of the most anticipated matchups in heavyweight boxing has been the potential clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. However, with Fury currently retired, those plans have hit a major roadblock. Fury’s retirement has cast doubt on a blockbuster battle between the two British heavyweights, as fans have been eagerly waiting for a fight that could crown the next dominant force in boxing.
Warren, who promotes both Fury and Dubois, remains optimistic about making major fights happen, even if the Joshua vs. Fury matchup is currently on hold. “We’re making these fights happen,” he stated confidently, signaling that other opportunities for Joshua may be on the horizon.
A Dubois Rematch on Hold
The rematch between Joshua and Daniel Dubois is also on pause as Joshua’s primary focus shifts towards another world title shot. With Britain’s IBF champion, Joshua, eyeing an undisputed world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk, the rematch with Dubois will have to wait. Usyk, the current unified champion, has suggested that he may retire after two more fights, opening the door for future world title opportunities for Joshua.
At the age of 35, questions have arisen about Joshua’s long-term career trajectory. Despite this, Warren believes Joshua has much more to offer the sport. “He’s been a great servant for British boxing, a two-time world champion, filling venues up, and looked on the crest of a wave for a long time,” said Warren. “He had three good wins under his belt before he fought Daniel.”
Future World Title Opportunities
Even though Joshua’s immediate future is uncertain, opportunities for a world title could emerge soon. With Usyk possibly retiring, the heavyweight division could see new champions rise, and Joshua will likely be eyeing those opportunities.
Warren, who also works with heavyweight contenders like Joseph Parker (WBO interim champion), Agit Kabayel (WBC interim champion), and Fabio Wardley (who is lined up for a WBA title fight), emphasized that world title fights for Joshua could materialize quickly. With the heavyweight division in a state of flux, Joshua’s name remains among the top contenders.
Joshua’s Career Longevity
While questions about Joshua’s longevity have emerged, Warren stresses that Joshua’s decision regarding retirement is his own. “That’s his choice,” said Warren. “He’s been a tremendous asset to British boxing, and he still has a lot to offer. His career isn’t defined by one loss; he has the potential for a strong comeback.”
Joshua’s path forward is unclear, but he has proven time and again that he is a resilient and determined fighter. As he recovers from his injury, fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to the ring, where he will no doubt be eyeing bigger and better opportunities, including the potential for a massive world title showdown in the near future.
For now, Anthony Joshua must focus on his recovery and take his time to make the right decisions for his future. The road to another world title may not be clear yet, but with the right approach, Joshua’s journey in the sport is far from over.
