Anthony Joshua is at a key moment in his boxing career, as serious talks continue about a possible fight with YouTuber Jake Paul. But promoter Frank Warren has warned that taking on the 28-year-old internet star could hurt Joshua’s reputation, especially when fans are still hoping for a big fight with Tyson Fury.
Joshua, 35, from Watford, won a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics and became world champion twice. However, he hasn’t had a major win since he beat Andy Ruiz Jr in their 2019 rematch.
He lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk and was knocked out by Daniel Dubois last September. Now, instead of a top-level opponent, talks are moving fast for a fight with Jake Paul – a match many are calling a “circus.”
Frank Warren, the 73-year-old legendary boxing promoter, said Joshua’s career deserves better.
“He’s done brilliantly,” Warren told SunSport. “He should’ve won the amateur world championships, and he brought a lot of attention to boxing after winning gold at the Olympics. He’s had some great fights.”
Warren says the fight fans really want is an all-British heavyweight clash between Joshua and Tyson Fury – a fight that has been talked about for nearly 10 years.
“It’s the fight everyone’s wanted for years,” Warren said. “But who knows if it will ever happen.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has admitted that Joshua’s final fight could depend on whether Fury, 37, agrees to it. Fury has retired several times, made a Netflix series, and even renewed his wedding vows again.
Warren said Fury is still training regularly but the choice to return is entirely up to him.
“When I’ve spoken to him recently, he has mentioned fighting,” Warren said. “But I’m not going to push him – it’s his decision.”
“He goes to the gym often. It keeps him fit and helps his mental health, which is great.”
