Anthony Joshua's Next Fight: A Wait for the Usyk-Fury Rematch
The Battle for Anthony Joshua's Next Opponent
Waiting for the Usyk-Fury Rematch
Matchroom promoter Hearn has stated that Joshua will make his comeback in May or June. However, the outcome of the Fury-Usyk rematch will significantly impact Joshua's next move. If Fury gets defeated again by Usyk, Hearn will face the challenge of finding a suitable opponent for Joshua. Fighters coming off losses often face skepticism from fans, and a match between Joshua and Fury in such a dire situation could be mocked. It's logical for Joshua to wait and see how the Usyk-Fury rematch unfolds as the fight fans are eagerly anticipating a showdown between him and Fury. This fight has the potential to bring in massive amounts of money and generate worldwide interest.On the other hand, the 36-year-old Fury (34-1-1, 24 KOs) is likely to face a tough battle against WBA, WBC, and WBO heavyweight champion Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) on December 21st. A loss for Fury could spoil much of the interest in a potential match against Joshua. The Dubois loss and rematch concerns also play a significant role. Dubois dropped Joshua four times, once in rounds 1, 3, 4, and 5, to secure the knockout at Wembley Stadium in London. Re-matching with Dubois would be a risky move for Joshua both in terms of his career and the potential impact on the Fury fight.
At 35 years old, Joshua is no longer in a position to drastically change his fighting style like he did in his rematch against an out-of-shape Andy Ruiz in December 2019. He needs to make a calculated decision that maximizes his chances of success and secures his future in the boxing world. With so much at stake, including the Fury fight and other lucrative opportunities, Joshua must tread carefully and make the right choice.
Joshua's Past Losses and Rematch Patterns
When Joshua lost to Andy Ruiz Jr on June 1, 2019, he and Hearn agreed to an immediate rematch. The same was true when he lost to Usyk for the first time on September 25, 2021. But this time, the knockout loss to 27-year-old Dubois has changed the dynamics. Hearn and Joshua are reluctant to rush into a rematch with Dubois due to the high risks involved. The chances of success against Dubois are slim, and it could potentially derail the Fury fight if it were to happen.Turki Alalshikh has indicated that a fight between AJ and Fury can still occur if one or both lose. However, going into such a match with a loss on their records would not be a favorable situation for either British fighter. Joshua needs to carefully consider his options and make a decision that aligns with his long-term goals and the interests of his fans.
In conclusion, Anthony Joshua's next fight is on hold as he waits for the outcome of the Usyk-Fury rematch. The decisions he makes in the coming months will shape his future in the boxing world and determine whether he can achieve the success he desires.
