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Anthony Joshua called out for rematch by first fighter to KO Brit

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Anthony Joshua

Joshua – who has not fought since losing to Daniel Dubois last September – is hoping to return to the ring later this year following successful elbow surgery

Mihai Nistor – who famously became the first fighter to knock out Anthony Joshua – has called for a rematch with the Brit.

The 34-year-old Romanian – who fought 64 times in major amateur bouts – went head-to-head with Joshua in the quarter-finals of the European Championships in Turkey back in 2011. Nistor amassed quite an impressive record as an amateur before turning professional back in 2019.

Since then, the heavyweight star has won all eight of his professional bouts, winning all by knockout. However, it has been over a year since he was last seen in the ring. Despite the inactivity, Nistor believes he is not far off of top world level and is prepared to sign a deal to face Joshua if boxing promoter Eddie Hearn sends an offer his way.

In an interview with World Boxing News, he said: “I’d love to box again with my former rivals. If I could box against Joshua and Usyk again, that would be my goal. But right now, I’m not just with them. I have been continuing to win fights. I’m a bit disappointed with my career.

“I was held back for about two years because of the pandemic. I am confident and convinced that I will make it to the level of Joshua and Usyk.” Joshua has not fought since suffering a brutal knockout defeat to British rival Daniel Dubois last September. The loss put an end to Joshua’s recent good run of form in the ring after losing back-to-back fights to Oleksandr Usyk.

On Joshua’s defeats to Usyk, Nistor added, “I believe Usyk defeated Joshua through superior technique and tactics. He wanted the victories more. I think Joshua’s behaviour can be explained by the fact that losing for the second time made the defeat even more painful. I believe that after the defeats to Usyk, Joshua didn’t recover mentally enough. I think that led to the loss against Dubois. He wasn’t focused.”

Anthony Joshua

Regarding his own future, Nistor concluded: “I expect to get back in the ring soon. In June or July, I’ll be back and ready for anyone.” Joshua is aiming to return to competitive boxing before the end of the year, following elbow surgery. On the topic of a return to the ring, ‘AJ’ said last month: “When do you want me back, people? I’m trying to get my body right. I have got to actually have a little surgery on my elbow. A small surgery sometime in May. I’m finalising the details… that will see me out of the gym for maybe six to eight weeks, and then when I’m healed, I will be back.”

Joshua has not given up hope of finally realising a bout with Fury. The Brit is not convinced that his rival’s retirement is final and appears confident that a fight could still materialise. In a recent post uploaded to Snapchat, Joshua shared an image of himself watching Fury fight, saying: “One of these days I’ll be standing in the opposite corner. Ready and fully charged spiritually.”

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I’m the only man to knock out Anthony Joshua in the amateurs, now I want a

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Anthony Joshua 

I’m the only man to knock out Anthony Joshua in the amateurs, now I want a rematch in the pro ranks

Mihai Nistor is eyeing a rematch with Anthony Joshua after knocking him out in the unpaid ranks 14 years ago.

The Romanian heavyweight enjoyed a fruitful amateur career that included seven national titles and two European bronze medals.

En route to his first European medal in Turkish capital Ankara back in 2011, Nistor became the first man to stop Joshua when they met in the quarter-finals.

It marked Joshua’s second defeat as an amateur following an early setback against Dillian Whyte in 2009, and it remains his only to have come inside the distance during his vested days.

After two hard-fought rounds, Nistor caught AJ with a massive left hook in the third stanza that buckled his knees.

As he was held up by ropes, the referee stepped in and initially administered a count before subsequently waving off the contest.

While Joshua won Olympic gold in 2012 and embarked on a successful professional career one year later, Nistor stayed in the amateurs until 2019.

In a stop-and-start professional run hampered by the COVID pandemic, Nistor has compiled an unblemished 8-0 record.

As an amateur, Nistor boxed Oleksandr Usyk, Filip Hrgovic, Frazer Clarke and Joshua, but he is yet to step up the levels in the pros.

That is something he intends to change in the not-so-distant future.

“I’d love to box again with my former rivals,” Nistor told World Boxing News.

“If I could box against Joshua and Usyk again, that would be my goal.

“But right now, I’m just not with them. I have been continuing to win fights. I’m a bit disappointed with my career.

“I was held back for about two years because of the pandemic.

“I am confident and convinced that I will make it to the level of Joshua and Usyk.”

At 34 years old, Nistor will have to get a move on if he wishes to tangle with the divisional elite.

He last fought in April 2024, when he blasted Peruvian journeyman David Zegarra away in two rounds in Timisoara, Romania.

Prior to that, Nistor retired 8-3 Colombian Jhan Carlo Delgado on his stool at the end of the third frame in his maiden appearance on British soil at the Brentwood Centre in September 2023.

Joshua, meanwhile, is yet to step back in the ring since suffering a devastating knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September.

The British heavyweight recently underwent surgery on his left elbow and is currently rehabilitating his injury.

He is expected to return before the end of 2025, with some big fights in the pipeline.

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Anthony Joshua moves up in latest heavyweight rankings

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Anthony Joshua

Despite his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has moved two spots up in the latest Ring Magazine heavyweight rankings.

Anthony Joshua last fought in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium, where he suffered a knockout defeat against Dubois.

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Usyk remains in a class of his own above the top 10, while Tyson Fury is ranked No.1 despite announcing his retirement in January.

Fury’s decision came after back-to-back losses to Usyk in 2024, the first defeats of his professional career. However, many in the boxing world doubt his retirement is permanent.

Joshua’s rise in the rankings follows significant shifts in the division. Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole suffered defeats in Saudi Arabia on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol II undercard.

Zhang was stopped by a devastating body shot from Agit Kabayel in the sixth round of their WBC interim heavyweight clash, while Bakole was knocked out by Joseph Parker after stepping in on two days’ notice as a late replacement for Dubois.

Bakole’s last-minute decision saw him endure a 3,800-mile journey from Congo to Saudi Arabia, taking three connecting flights. His bravery was widely praised, but the defeat cost him his IBF final eliminator status and a drop in the rankings. Previously ranked No.6, Bakole has now dropped to No.7, while Zhang fell from No.4 to No.6.

Kabayel surged to No.4 following his career-best victory, with Anthony Joshua now positioned at No.5 behind the German fighter Zhilei Zhang. Parker and the remaining heavyweights retained their original rankings.

Latest Ring Magazine Heavyweight Rankings:
Tyson Fury
Daniel Dubois
Joseph Parker
Agit Kabayel
Anthony Joshua
Zhilei Zhang
Martin Bakole
Filip Hrgovic
Fabio Wardley
Efe Ajagba

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Oleksandr Usyk refuses to accept Tyson Fury’s retirement and warns Joshua

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Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Oleksandr Usyk has made it clear he won’t take Tyson Fury‘s retirement at face value, dismissing the boxer’s latest exit as anything but final. Just months after scoring a second dominant win over Fury in December, Usyk insists the Brit is still in training and could return – a strong signal that a mega-fight with Anthony Joshua remains on his radar.

On January 13, 2025, Fury officially announced his retirement following back-to-back defeats to the Ukrainian southpaw.

It was Fury’s fifth retirement in a career marked by dramatic comebacks. Yet Usyk, speaking to The Stomping Ground, was unimpressed: “I think he’s not retired. I think Tyson continues training, continue boxing, because he’s a great man,” he said.

That statement carries extra weight given Fury‘s history of walk-outs. His exits in 2013, 2017, and 2022 were all followed by eventual returns – making his latest retirement announcement sound more like a pause. Usyk referenced this legacy of comebacks to reinforce his prediction that Fury may reemerge yet again.

A clear path to Joshua looms

Usyk’s dismissal of Fury‘s retirement isn’t just lip service – it’s strategic. With Fury allegedly set to sit it out, Usyk hinted at an even bigger showdown: a long-awaited clash with Anthony Joshua. He is openly rooting for that fight to cap off his career.

Usyk currently heads into a July rematch against Daniel Dubois, but has already earmarked Joshua – and even Fury – as preferred opponents for a potential swan-song.

This showdown with Joshua would be a blockbuster – Usyk has twice defeated “AJ” (in 2021 and August 2022), both times defending or reclaiming his undisputed status

A trilogy rematch with Fury also remains on the table, should Fury re-enter the ring.

Behind the scenes, Saudi promoters like Turki Alalshikh are already plotting grand finales for the heavyweight division – including Fury vs. Joshua or Joshua vs. Usyk.

But Usyk‘s blunt assertion that Fury’s retirement won’t stand suggests he wants every large-scale option open – especially one that sees Joshua forced to rise or retire.

For now, Fury remains officially retired, and Joshua is rehabbing an elbow injury while negotiations continue. Usyk, however, is already thinking ahead.

Whether Fury stays away or returns once more, one thing is clear – the heavyweight landscape is shifting, and Usyk is eager to book his final act against the fighters who define his era.

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New Opponent In Line For Deontay Wilder If He Wins Comeback And It’s Not Anthony Joshua

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Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder soon makes his comeback to the heavyweight division, and after being linked with big fights like Anthony Joshua, a new potential opponent has emerged.

After a full year out, Wilder fights Tyrrell Herndon on June 27 in a must-win contest if he has any chance of getting back to the top of the division he once ruled. The former WBC world champion and famed knockout artist has lost four of his last five fights, three by knockout to Tyson Fury and Zhilei Zhang, and one on points to Joseph Parker.

Should he beat Herndon, he is being mentioned for plenty of big fights, such as Joshua, who has not fought since losing to Daniel Dubois in September.

However, promoter Eddie Hearn has now told iFLTV that much-loved Brit Dave Allen’s call out has been heard by the American’s team and that manager Shelly Finkel is keen.

“I have heard that Shelley Finkel likes the Dave Allen fight for Deontay Wilder. If Allen wins in September, I’m going to be doing everything I can to make Wilder Allen. Mate, how big is that fight? You know that fight sells out the O2, Manchester Arena and all those, and some.”

Allen’s last fight in May saw him knock Johnny Fisher out cold in their rematch having lost in controversial fashion back in December in the first fight.

The 33-year-old has now had 33 fights, including against top-tier heavyweights like Luiz Ortiz and Dillian Whyte. At this stage and given the momentum, some in the sport believe the durable Brit would represent a challenger for Wilder, who has struggled to find form since beginning his losing streak to Tyson Fury back in 2021.

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Matchroom fuels Joshua-Wilder speculation

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Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua

Speculation surrounding a long-awaited bout between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder has reignited, with Matchroom Boxing publicly expressing fresh interest in staging the heavyweight showdown, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The proposed clash, once touted as a unification decider when both men held versions of the heavyweight titles in 2018 and 2019, failed to materialise at the time.

Years later, the narrative is re-emerging, as Matchroom CEO Frank Smith confirmed the fight remains very much in their sights—provided Wilder successfully completes his upcoming comeback bout.

“If he comes through his warm-up, Deontay Wilder,” Smith told Boxing News when asked about potential opponents for Joshua.

“This sport is about narrative. It’s about buying into fights that people have an interest in and that’s a fight that everyone would still have interest in. Regardless of whether it didn’t happen five years ago, people still want to see it now.”

Wilder, now 39, is scheduled to face Tyrrell Herndon in Kansas on June 27. The former WBC champion has suffered four defeats in his last five fights, including losses to Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, and most recently Zhilei Zhang.

Despite this decline in form, the American knockout artist remains a major draw, and victory later this month could earn him a shot at Joshua.

Joshua, meanwhile, has been sidelined following surgery on an elbow injury but is expected to return to the ring in the Autumn.

Talks have reportedly been held with organisers of Riyadh Season over a potential two-fight deal. Names such as Dillian Whyte and Jared Anderson have been mentioned, though Whyte now appears to be lining up a separate bout with Moses Itauma in August.

Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder

Frank Smith acknowledged that Whyte is no longer a frontrunner to face Joshua next, hinting instead that the Wilder fight could make more commercial and sporting sense.

“I personally like the Deontay Wilder fight myself. I think there’s so much narrative there,” he explained in a separate conversation with BoxingScene.

“AJ’s in a great position. He’s still commercially the biggest draw in the sport, I believe, but we’ve got to make the right decision and this is the biggest decision he’ll make of his career.”

Smith added that the priority remains for Joshua to return to full fitness before finalising any plans. “Get back in the gym, get 100 per cent, and then we’ll go for it,” he said.

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Anthony Joshua draws up new three fight hit-list with Tyson Fury yet to make U-turn

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Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua still wants to face Tyson Fury, but has included Deontay Wilder on an alternative list of potential opponents.

AJ has yet to compete since being brutally stopped by Daniel Dubois last September.

But the British heavyweight is still hugely keen on a showdown with Tyson Fury, albeit his long-term rival insists he is retired from boxing.

Joshua recently revealed that he would have surgery which will delay his ring return until later in the year.

But with time ticking on his career, he is keen to enter the world title mix again as quickly as possible.

He said: “Hopefully [the Fury fight] happens.

“The industry should not be left without it, and those [who are] interested should be able to witness it.

“I think a potential fight with Martin Bakole, Agit Kabayel or Deontay Wilder would work too.

“To be completely honest with you, Joseph Parker deserves a shot at the winner [of Usyk vs Dubois 2] more than me right now.”

Bakole and Joshua have had history of a clash, with Ben Shalom claiming they reached a deal earlier in the year.

But it hasn’t yet materialised, but a bout in Africa could well be a lucrative option for a comeback.

Kabayel is ranked well in the governing bodies, and a victory over the German for Joshua would throw him right back into the mix.

Meanwhile Joshua and Wilder have still yet to face after years of rivalry.

The pair had signed an agreement, but the ‘Bronze Bomber’ lost back-to-back fights against Zhilei Zhang and Parker.

He was linked with retirement, but victory over Tyrell Herndon in his return clash on June 27 could thrust him back into the limelight.

Clearly AJ is still hopeful Fury will reverse his decision, and he indicated he could with a cryptic call-out for a trilogy with Usyk.

And in the meantime, he has suggested he will try to rebuild physically to ensure he is in prime condition.

“My body has been through the works,” he added.

“If I want to be here for the long time I just want to make sure my body is really really good before I get back into the ring.

“Sooner than later. I’m still training but I’m just kind of rebuilding.

“To be good is not enough in boxing, if you want to be a world champion you’ve got to be great.

“Throughout the last year or so, especially my last fight I was good but not great.

“To be a champion you gotta be ‘on your s***’ basically and I need to step my game up.”

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Fabio Wardley could next face Anthony Joshua’s ex-rival or forgotten

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Fabio Wardley and Anthony Joshua

Fabio Wardley could next face Anthony Joshua’s ex-rival or forgotten heavyweight in title shot

Fabio Wardley could face the winner of Kubrat Pulev’s WBA ‘regular’ world title clash with Michael Hunter.

The British heavyweight had an epic homecoming victory, knocking out Justis Huni at Ipswich’s Portman Road in front of thousands of stunned fans.

He was down on the scorecards after ten rounds but produced a moment of brilliance, albeit disputed by Huni, which sets him up for a big future at heavyweight.

Victory for Wardley saw him capture the WBA interim heavyweight world title.

He was previously ordered to face Pulev earlier this year, the current WBA ‘regular champion’ the belt above the interim title.

But Wardley accused the Bulgarian of ‘running scared’ and the fight failed to materialise.

Pulev is now set to face Hunter, a forgotten heavyweight, on August 23 for the belt after promoter Don King won purse bids.

And Wardley’s trainer Ben Davison told talkSPORT he expects it will be the primary option for Wardley next.

He explained: “[Wardley’s win over Huni] was for the WBA interim [title].

“I’m hearing Pulev and Michael Hunter might be getting a fight on, maybe [Wardley could face] the winner.

“We don’t know how these belts might fragment, so we’ll see. If there’s titles, that needs to be his priority.”

Wardley is unlikely to receive a shot at the full world titles for now.

Joseph Parker will likely be mandated to face the winner of Oleksandr Usyk’s undisputed title rematch with Daniel Dubois on July 19.

Anthony Joshua

And unless he beats either Hunter or Pulev, a former foe of Anthony Joshua in 2020, he is unlikely to be first in line.

Nonetheless for now, the Ipswich native will be delighted with his epic comeback victory.

And his promoter Frank Warren believes his trajectory is likely to spear him to the top.

“He’s the WBA interim champion, there’s another big fight on another big show on the 19th of July, four belts on the line,” he said.

“Somebody’s going to come away with those four belts and once that’s done, there will be some mandatories.

“And during that period of time, they’ll all get a shot, all the various guys will get a shot for their specific belts.

“For me, whenever Fabio feels he’s ready to go, we’re here to make it happen for him.

“We love working with his team, they’re such good people to work with, enthusiastic, get behind the promotion – it’s a promoter’s dream and makes it really easy for us to do it and put it together.

“We’re with him and we’re going to deliver for him.”

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Interview: Ricky Hatton hopes Anthony Joshua avoids

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Ricky Hatton and Anthony Joshua

Interview: Ricky Hatton hopes Anthony Joshua avoids ‘prospect’ Moses Itauma

Ricky Hatton spoke exclusively to Betway and spoke about the following:

  • Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren are at fault for Fury vs AJ fight delay.
  • The only fight for Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is each other.
  • If they don’t fight, both should retire.
  • Anthony Joshua should avoid being ‘stepping stone’ for Moses Itauma

I = Interviewer
RH = Ricky Hatton

I: Do you think Tyson will come back?

RH: Tyson called it a day and I think we all took him with a pinch of salt. The fight has to be made now, we’ve been waiting 10, 12 years for it so are we going to wait another 12 months for it? Tyson and AJ are getting older, a little bit more miles on the clock and I can’t understand why it’s not taking place? I don’t think it can be the fighters. They won’t get more money than what they could from Turki Alalshikh.

I: What is stopping it then if it’s not the fighters?

RH: It must be Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn. Turki Alalshikh is putting down the money and lately, Frank and Eddie have been working together with the 5 v 5 which has been fantastic entertainment. Turki, with respect, is the money man but is letting the people that know the boxing (finer details) put the shows on, but they won’t get any more money than what they could now. Frank is Tyson’s promoter, and Eddie is Anthony’s promoter and Turki is saying here is the money so put the fight on. I can’t get my head around why it isn’t happening. It’s left me scratching my head. I don’t know what’s gone on but you have to think why is it not happening because none of this makes sense. I can only put it on Eddie and Frank.

Anthony Joshua

I: Who could you see Anthony Joshua fight next if it is not Tyson Fury?

RH: There’s only one fight I would like to see Anthony Joshua fight next and that is Tyson Fury. They should fight each other, and we have said for a number of years, boxing is the loser if the fight never happens and they’re both at similar points in their career. Tyson has had better days, Anthony has had better days, and it’ll still be as good of a fight, maybe even a better fight because they’re both at similar stages of their careers. People will still pay to watch it and it’ll still be a fantastic fight, but I only want to watch them fight each other and then they can put their feet up and enjoy what they worked so hard for and how proud they have made us all feel as British fight fans. I don’t want to see them going on and on and having fight after fight. Just fight each other and get the f*** out of there as far as I am concerned.

I: Could Anthony fight Moses Itauma at the end of the year?

RH: It could be a fight for towards the end of the year as Moses is a genuine prospect and from what I have been told, he is going to the very top. It might be a fight where he is coming up and Anthony is on his way down and it might be a good fight to make but I wouldn’t like to see Anthony being a stepping stone for one of our future world champions. I think he’ll be a future world champion but to knock out one of his heroes as he is going up the ladder doesn’t (sound good to me). We are a boxing family and if I wasn’t a boxer or a manager or trainer, I would still be a boxing fan and when you meet these people around the circuit like Dave Allen and Johnny Fisher and then Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and George Groves… you’re not speed dialling them every week but you get a closeness to them and respect for what they have achieved.

You don’t like seeing them get hurt because it’s like watching a mate get knocked out. We will have to see though as it seems like Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn want to carry on the ride and we all have a choice but I am just saying as a British fight fan and a friend, I would like to see Anthony fight Tyson Fury next, there’s only one fight that needs to be made and if that isn’t made, I wouldn’t be bothered (about who either fight).

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Tyson Fury waiting for Anthony Joshua to sign deal for comeback fight

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Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Tyson Fury’s manager has refused to rule out a comeback amid talks of a potential showdown against long-time rival Anthony Joshua.

Fury shocked the boxing world back in January after announcing his retirement from the sport. His announcement came just a few weeks after losing to Oleksandr Usyk for a second time. Following the defeat to the Ukrainian, many had hoped to see Fury and Joshua go head-to-head this year.

Joshua has not fought since sufferin a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last September. The 35-year-old is aiming to return to competitive boxing before the end of the year, following elbow surgery. Eddie Hearn – Joshua’s promoter – recently confirmed that ‘AJ’ is in discussions with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh over a new multiple fight deal.

In an interview with Boxing News, Spencer Brown – Fury’s manager – provided an update on his star client’s future. “First of all, I think they’ve got to sign the deal first. That’s the most important part. What they’re very good at, the Saudi Arabians, is a course. A road, and they want to know what road it is,” he said.

“And if they can get the road in the right place, then they’ll sign whatever deal you want as long as you’re happy and they’re happy with it. But they think forward. So, it’s a great move for Anthony Joshua, isn’t it? A three-fight deal. Amazing. Amazing. Tyson’s retired. Like I say, we never know though, do we?

“But he’s very busy at the moment. He’s actually in the best place I’ve ever seen him. He’s 12lbs above his fighting weight as well. He looks really well. He’s happy. He’s got his kids with him constantly. Will he fight again? He’s the Gypsy King, who knows?”

Joshua has not given up hope of finally realising a bout with Fury. The Brit is not convinced that his rival’s retirement is final and appears confident that a fight could still materialise. The British pair agreed a two-bout deal in 2020 but saw plans scuppered when it was ruled Fury had to permit Deontay Wilder a trilogy fight.

 Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

In a recent post uploaded to Snapchat, Joshua shared an image of himself watching Fury fight, saying: “One of these days I’ll be standing in the opposite corner. Ready and fully charged spiritually.” Fury himself has declared that he has nothing left to prove in the sport.

The ‘Gypsy King’ quickly dismissed rumours of a return to boxing, questioning the point of a comeback. “I hear a lot of talk about the Gypsy King returning to boxing and I ask this question: for what? What would I return for? More belts? I’ve won 22 of them,” he said. “I’ve been rumped, that’s it, fair play to them, they got their use out of me. But I’m happy, I am happy, content with what I have achieved and accomplished.

“I’ve been around the world and back again. And this is what retirement looks like for the Gypsy King, not too shabby.” He further added: “I’m in no rush at all, to come back to boxing and get my face punched in. For what? What would I return for? I ask that question. I am retired and I am staying retired. I have nothing to prove to anybody and nothing to return for.”

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