Anthony Joshua has been on a roll in the ring of late.
He’s coming off two mammoth performances against Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou, and he’s likely going to return to the ring in September when he could be fighting for a world title.
This week, Joshua took to social media to share a crucial update on the negotiations for his next fight, a post that could be a window into his future in the ring.
However, with a few key details in mind, it’s not hard to envision the path this is likely to take, leading to a highly anticipated clash with the soon-to-be-crowned IBF champion Daniel DuBois.
DuBois defeated Filip Hrgovic to become the IBF interim champion on June 1. Before the win over Hrgovic, DuBois scored a stoppage win over Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller.
Before the DuBois-Hrgovic fight, it was understood current undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk would be stripped of the IBF belt due to his agreement to a rematch with Tyson Fury, whom he beat to become the undisputed king of the division on May 18. Joshua has long made it clear he wants to win another world title.
While a third fight with Usyk or an epic encounter with Fury is likely at some point, Joshua wants to become a world champion again. If the negotiations with DuBois unfold as expected, a bout with his fellow countryman presents Joshua with a golden opportunity to stake his claim on a legitimate world title.
This potential match also sets the stage for him to face the victor of Fury-Usyk in 2025–a pivotal moment that could reshape the heavyweight division, should Joshua emerge victorious against DuBois. Fury-Usyk’s rematch is already set for December 21.
No matter who wins, Joshua should be the winner’s next opponent if he beats DuBois. If Usyk wins, he will be up 2-0 on Fury, and there will be more of a push to have him clash with Joshua for a third time rather than having three consecutive bouts with The Gypsy King.
Usyk currently holds a unanimous and split decision over Joshua from their intense clashes in 2021 and 22. As the dust settles with this trio of top-notch heavyweights, the future remains uncertain.
By then, the rising star Jared Anderson may have propelled himself to their level, ready to challenge for a world title, adding another element to the mix.
The following year of heavyweight action will be a crucial barometer for the division’s future.
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