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‘Closer than people think’ – Anthony Joshua advised to take comeback fight against surprise rival

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Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua has been urged to take a comeback fight against Filip Hrgovic before deciding his next moves.

Joshua is currently at a crossroads in his heavyweight career after being brutally dropped three times and stopped by Daniel Dubois in September.

He was first expected to rematch Dubois but those plans were shelved after it was suggested he would not be ready for the targeted February date.

AJ then instead declared he would like to settle his rivalry with Tyson Fury in 2025, but the ‘Gypsy King’ then decided to announce his retirement from the sport.

The former two-time champion could now face a number of alternative opponents if he chooses to return, with the division’s boogeyman Martin Bakole also issuing a call-out.

But boxing broadcaster Ade Oladipo suggested on the latest episode of talkBOXING, that Hrgovic would be a sensible step for his next outing.

He said: “It is now a case of what do you do? Do you do a rebuild and go down a level and fight them Jermaine Franklin types?

“If he is here for the next two or three years then you do the rebuild, but I think he is only here for 12 months.

“If the fight with Fury doesn’t happen, I honestly think you go Hrgovic vs Dubois or Hrgovic vs Bakole.

“I don’t want to see the Dillian Whyte fight or the Deontay Wilder fight.

“I think you go in with someone who has only lost once in Hrgovic, and then go. It is a gauge of where you are.”

talkSPORT host Simon Jordan then questioned the value in Joshua fighting Hrgovic to which Oladipo replied: “Just to see if it is still there.

“To go through training camp and sparring to see if you still have it, it’s one thing saying it and another knowing it.

“I think Hrgovic will look at the Dubois fights and think he can win. I think it’s a closer fight than what people think.

“It’s still someone in the top ten and top 15, but then we can work out from that performance if we want to see a Dubois rematch or a fight with Bakole.”

Joshua has been linked with a clash against Hrgovic in the past, with the pair having both been stopped by Dubois.

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois

It would be a reasonable test to work away any ring rust before challenging Bakole.

Bakole is considered an avoided fighter in the heavyweight division, and is campaigning for a huge clash against Joshua in Africa.

Joshua has surprisingly faced off with Bakole, but could have other priorities including future revenge against Dubois.

‘Dynamite’ currently holds the IBF belt and Joshua could become a three-time heavyweight champion if he does pursue future redemption.

But Oladipo and Jordan have themselves cast doubt on if there is genuine interest from Joshua in pursuing a sequel in 2025.

Jordan said: “It’s his decision, he is the captain of his own ship. He’s said this himself.

“If he wants to fight Daniel Dubois, he will fight Daniel Dubois but I’m questioning that.”

Oladipo added: “If AJ wants to fight Dubois, it should be happening tomorrow, he should be that guy.

Jordan continued: “So I assume by the very nature of it that he doesn’t want to fight Dubois, because he isn’t fighting Dubois.

Oladipo replied: “Yeah, I can’t argue with that because I suppose if AJ wanted to fight Dubois, we wouldn’t be seeing Dubois vs Parker.”

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Whyte wants Joshua showdown

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Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte

British heavyweight Dillian Whyte is targeting a ‘trilogy’ fight with Anthony Joshua as he vows to retire his bitter rival.

The heavyweight duo first clashed on the amateur circuit 16-years ago, as ‘The Bodysnatcher’ claimed a points victory over a novice Joshua who hadn’t long had his first contest when the pair met.

Their bitter feud was reignited in December 2015 when ‘AJ’ captured the vacant British heavyweight title with an explosive 7th-round knockout victory over Whyte, who had rocked Joshua in the second round before eventually suffering the first defeat of his professional career.

Their highly anticipated rematch was due to happen in August 2023, but was cancelled after Whyte returned an adverse finding in a doping test. Finnish heavyweight Robert Helenius stepped in and was knocked out in seven rounds. Whyte was later cleared to box after an investigation found it was a contaminated supplement that caused the findings.

Joshua is expected to return to the ring for the first time since suffering a shock knockout defeat to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois last September, with Whyte putting himself forward to face his rival as he vows to finally send him into retirement.

Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, ‘The Bodysnatcher’ welcomed the idea of facing the 35-year-old for the third time, but claimed he is ‘finished’ after that defeat to Dubois.

Anthony Joshua 

“If he wants to fight, then all they’ve got to do is call me. I’m always up for fighting AJ. No problem for me. However, personally, I think he’s finished. I think he made a huge mistake not taking the immediate rematch with Dubois. It was a world title fight, a great payday and the perfect opportunity to avenge his knockout loss.”

“Me and him will always be a good fight. We just have that chemistry. I don’t want to lose to him, he doesn’t want to lose to me, and we want to prove each other wrong. We want to knock each other out so it will always be a good fight.

“Eddie [Hearn] has publicly stated Joshua could fight me next, but whether he will or not I don’t know whether he or his people want it, then we wait to see. I would love to retire him.”

Whyte returned to the ring in December when he knocked out Ebenezer Tetteh in Gibraltar. The 36-year-old is keen on returning to the ring as soon as possible, with a fight date and opponent expected to be announced in due course.

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Heavyweight Vows To Retire Anthony Joshua In Trilogy Fight: “I Want To Knock Him Out”

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Anthony Joshua

British heavyweight Dillian Whyte is targeting a ‘trilogy’ fight with Anthony Joshua as he vows to retire his bitter rival.

The heavyweight duo first clashed on the amateur circuit 16-years ago, as ‘The Bodysnatcher’ claimed a points victory over a novice Joshua who hadn’t long had his first contest when the pair met.

Their bitter feud was reignited in December 2015 when ‘AJ’ captured the vacant British heavyweight title with an explosive 7th-round knockout victory over Whyte, who had rocked Joshua in the second round before eventually suffering the first defeat of his professional career.

Their highly anticipated rematch was due to happen in August 2023, but was cancelled after Whyte returned an adverse finding in a doping test. Finnish heavyweight Robert Helenius stepped in and was knocked out in seven rounds. Whyte was later cleared to box after an investigation found it was a contaminated supplement that caused the findings.

Joshua is expected to return to the ring for the first time since suffering a shock knockout defeat to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois last September, with Whyte putting himself forward to face his rival as he vows to finally send him into retirement.

Speaking to Sky Sports Boxing, ‘The Bodysnatcher’ welcomed the idea of facing the 35-year-old for the third time, but claimed he is ‘finished’ after that defeat to Dubois.

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois
London, UK: Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois Weigh In ahead of their IBF Heavyweight Title fight tomorrow night.
20 September 2024
Picture By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing

“If he wants to fight, then all they’ve got to do is call me. I’m always up for fighting AJ. No problem for me. However, personally, I think he’s finished. I think he made a huge mistake not taking the immediate rematch with Dubois. It was a world title fight, a great payday and the perfect opportunity to avenge his knockout loss.”

“Me and him will always be a good fight. We just have that chemistry. I don’t want to lose to him, he doesn’t want to lose to me, and we want to prove each other wrong. We want to knock each other out so it will always be a good fight.

“Eddie [Hearn] has publicly stated Joshua could fight me next, but whether he will or not I don’t know whether he or his people want it, then we wait to see. I would love to retire him.”

Whyte returned to the ring in December when he knocked out Ebenezer Tetteh in Gibraltar. The 36-year-old is keen on returning to the ring as soon as possible, with a fight date and opponent expected to be announced in due course.

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Joshua will knock Fury out – Bellew

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Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

Former WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has backed Anthony Joshua to knock out Tyson Fury if the long-awaited all-British heavyweight clash eventually materialises, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Speaking to Fightlens, Bellew expressed confidence in Joshua’s ability to stop The Gypsy King, despite acknowledging Fury’s superior boxing skills.

“I’ve always said it and I’ll stick by it. I think Anthony Joshua will be forced to let his hands go, and he’ll knock out Tyson Fury,” Bellew said.

“Do I think he’s the better fighter? No. But not always the better fighter wins. I’ve been in fights myself where I’ve beaten fighters better than me, like David Haye. I beat him twice, but he’s a better fighter than me. Styles make fights.”

The highly anticipated showdown between the British rivals appeared close in 2021, with reports of a two-fight deal in Saudi Arabia, but Fury’s contractual obligation to face Deontay Wilder for a third time derailed those plans.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Joshua, who lost his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO titles to Oleksandr Usyk later that year, bounced back with victories over Jermaine Franklin, Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou before suffering a shock defeat to Daniel Dubois.

Meanwhile, Fury recently announced his retirement following his second loss to Usyk, though the 35-year-old has previously retired and returned on multiple occasions since his 2015 victory over Wladimir Klitschko.

Hopes of the mega-fight happening were rekindled when His Excellency Turki Alalshikh hinted at a potential clash between the heavyweight stars in 2025.

“Fury might be the better fighter on paper, but Joshua has the tools to force an outcome,” Bellew added. “Styles make fights, and AJ has the power and determination to cause an upset.”

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Oleksandr Usyk Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If Prime Mike Tyson Would Beat Anthony Joshua

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Mike Tyson and Anthony Joshua

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has predicted who would have prevailed in a fantasy fight between prime Mike Tyson and Anthony Joshua.

‘Iron’ Mike is regarded as one of the most ferocious heavyweights in boxing history. Holding the undisputed heavyweight champion between 1987 and 1990, Tyson became the youngest world heavyweight champion ever in 1986 when he knocked out Trevor Berbick in the second round of their bout. The thunderous power of the 58-year-old was undeniable, knocking out 44 of the 50 fighters he defeated during his career.

Joshua has won the world heavyweight championship on two occasions, defeating the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin since his professional debut in 2013. The 35-year-old from Watford is coming off a devastating knockout defeat to newly crowned IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, but is planning on returning to the ring in 2025 as he sets his sights on finally becoming a three-time heavyweight champion.

In a round of ‘Winner Stays On’ with MailSport Boxing, the Ukrainian superstar was asked to choose who he feels would have won in a showdown between ‘AJ’ and Tyson.

Mike Tyson and Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk

“Anthony Joshua.”

Usyk dethroned Joshua of his unified WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles in September 2021. The pair clashed for the second time just under one year later in Riyadh, as the Ukrainian successfully retained his heavyweight crown in a slightly closer contest, picking up a split decision victory over the Brit.

‘AJ’ has recently confirmed he will be returning to the ring this year, with an opponent yet to be confirmed. The 35-year-old was linked with an all-British showdown with Tyson Fury, which now looks unlikely to happen after ‘The Gypsy King’ announced his retirement from boxing earlier this month.

Deontay Wilder has emerged as a potential opponent for the Olympic Gold medalist, with both fighters looking to bounce back from their recent defeats and get their respective careers back on track.

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Heavyweight ‘Giant’ Accepts Call To Face Anthony Joshua And

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Anthony Joshua

Heavyweight ‘Giant’ Accepts Call To Face Anthony Joshua And Vows To KO Him Inside 3 Minutes

Anthony Joshua is in the market for his next opponent.

The two-time world heavyweight champion is looking to bounce back from a knockout loss at the hands of Daniel Dubois. At 35-years-old, Joshua wants big fights and one last crack at holding a belt again.

Turki Alalshikh of both Riyadh Season and the Ring Magazine spoke to TalkSPORT about ‘AJ’s next moves and said he would like to match him up with Congo’s Martin Bakole in Africa.

“We are open to see Joshua also against Bakole. I want to see this fight right. I want to see it but you know where I want to see it. I want to see it in Africa.”

With the retirement of Tyson Fury and thus that fight being currently off the table, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn also recently mentioned Bakole as a potential opponent.

Responding to Alalshikh’s tentative plan, Bakole welcomed the fight.

“They keep avoiding me and I’m so happy, and I’d like to thank his His Excellency Turki Alalshikh because he said himself he wants to see this fight [with Anthony Joshua].”

First up for the ‘African Giant’ is Efe Ajagba in a final eliminator for the IBF’s mandatory spot to face champion Dubois. Bakole recently took issue with ‘AJ’ siding with Nigeria’s Ajagba in that bout, saying he would win in style before beating the Brit in one round.

Anthony Joshua 

“I want to fight you. Look at Daniel Dubois – I broke his nose twice [in sparring] and he knocked you out cold. I will knock you out in the first round. You’re talking about Ajagba? Ajagba is a baby, wait till you see how I’m going to knock him out. I invite you to be there. You’re talking s**t. I want to fight you. Stop talking nonsense. Now you’re in Nigeria you’re not British anymore. I’m African giant. After knocking Ajagba out I will knock you out as well.”

Bakole vs Ajagba takes place in May on the same card as Ryan Garcia against Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero and Devin Haney up against Jose Ramirez.

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Top Heavyweight Agit Kabayel Predicts Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua After Sparring Both

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 Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Agit Kabayel is a well-travelled heavyweight who has taken punches from both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua so he has an inside view on how a fight between the two might play out.

Two-time European champion Kabayel is a rising star in the division. The German boxer almost fought ‘The Gypsy King’ back in 2020 but instead Fury had to honour a third fight with Deontay Wilder in the US.

Kabayel has since gone on to defeat the likes of Kevin Johnson, Pavel Sour and, most impressively, undefeated prospect Arslanbek Makhmudov who he beat by technical stoppage on the Day of Reckoning event in Riyadh after knocking him down several times.

In May 2024, Kabayel also stopped Frank Sanchez and was due to fight the widely avoided Martin Bakole out in Nigeria but withdrew from purse bids.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Having sparred both Joshua and Fury across his career, he has been asked about what would happen if the British former world champions were finally to come to blows this year.

Speaking to Seconds Out, he was asked if Joshua, who he has sparred most, would win.

“No. I sparred with the two guys. Sparred with Fury, with AJ. This fight is very close but I think when I give you a prediction for the fight, Fury will win the fight.”

These two stars are both coming off losses – Joshua via stoppage to Daniel Dubois who retained his IBF world title, and Fury was defeated in back-to-back contests to all-time great Oleksandr Usyk. Fans believe it leaves them both with no better options than a legacy-defining fight.

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Whyte knocks Joshua over Dubois rematch snub

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Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua 

Former heavyweight title challenger Dillian Whyte has criticised Anthony Joshua for not pursuing an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois following his devastating knockout loss at Wembley Stadium last September, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

“He made a huge mistake not taking the immediate rematch with Dubois,” Whyte told Sky Sports News.

“It was a world title fight, a great payday and the perfect opportunity. He will forever have to suffer the memes of being face-planted at Wembley by Dubois.”

The 36-year-old Whyte, who lost to Joshua by seventh-round stoppage in their first encounter a decade ago, drew parallels with his own experience after suffering defeat to Alexander Povetkin.

“When I lost to Povetkin, I crashed Eddie Hearn’s live interview and demanded the rematch. Nothing else mattered until I beat him in the rematch. It’s a mindset thing. I want to fight AJ and Tyson again because they both beat me.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed that Joshua has seven different options for his next fight, including a potential rematch with Whyte, who was scheduled to face the two-time heavyweight champion in 2023 before the bout was cancelled due to a failed drugs test.

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois

Meanwhile, IBF champion Dubois is set to defend his title against Joseph Parker in Riyadh on February 22, with the winner potentially securing a future bout with Joshua.

Joshua’s career appears to be at a crossroads following Tyson Fury’s shock retirement announcement, which has scuppered hopes of their long-awaited British showdown.

However, Hearn believes Fury’s retirement might be temporary, telling the Daily Mail, “None of us know what Fury will do next, but if we are to see the fight in the summer, he would probably have to come out of retirement in the next three or four weeks.”

The promoter had earlier suggested Fury’s announcement could be a negotiating tactic, telling iFL TV, “If you ever want to come back and get the max, you have to retire first, haven’t you? Someone then has to bring you out of retirement.”

Joshua, who recently visited Nigeria and met with President Bola Tinubu, has remained silent on Fury’s retirement, with Hearn noting his fighter’s characteristically reserved response to the news.

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Anthony Joshua accused of making ‘big mistake’ after Daniel Dubois defeat by ex-rival Dillian Whyte

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Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois

Dillian Whyte believes Anthony Joshua needed to pursue an immediate rematch with Daniel Dubois after his brutal defeat.

Joshua was dropped three times in the shock defeat to British rival Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September, in a damaging blow to his hopes of being in the world title mix.

AJ is coming to the back end of his career and was expected to face Dubois in an immediate sequel this year, spurred on by the opportunity of revenge.

But the fight collapsed and now the former two-time champion is waiting to see what the year brings in terms of a potential opponent.

It appeared the British heavyweight was waiting to see if he can lure Tyson Fury into a blockbuster, but the ‘Gypsy King’ recently announced his retirement.

And Whyte, who was beaten by Joshua in 2015, believes the rematch was necessary to write his wrongs before being able to move on.

Whyte told Sky Sports: “He made a huge mistake not taking the immediate rematch with Dubois.

“It was a world title fight, a great payday and the perfect opportunity. He will forever have to suffer the memes of being face-planted at Wembley by Dubois.

“When I lost to [Alexander] Povetkin, I crashed Eddie Hearn’s live interview and demanded the rematch.

“Nothing else mattered until I beat him in the rematch. It’s a mindset thing. I want to fight AJ and Tyson again because they both beat me.”

Whyte himself looked set to rematch Joshua last August but the fight was cancelled after one of his drug tests returned an adverse finding.

But now the ‘Body Snatcher’ wants the rematch again, which could be an alternative option for Joshua in 2025.

He added: “[Joshua] Sounds perfect for me. They don’t need to ask me twice.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

“They talk about me as an option, but they haven’t said anything to me, so it’s just negotiation tactics from them.

“But I’m up for the fight and I’m ready to fight again. If he wants to fight, then all they’ve got to do is call me.

“I’m always up for fighting AJ. No problem for me. However, personally, I think he’s finished.”

Joshua could feasibly agree to face Whyte, with a showdown against Fury now seemingly off the table.

But he still possesses an interest in rematching Dubois, despite ‘Dynamite’ making his next IBF title defence against Joseph Parker on February 22.

Dubois is also determined to now move forward and suggested he would look to pursue a sequel with Oleksandr Usyk, which could be for the undisputed titles.

Joshua could also have numerous other options on the table, with promoter Eddie Hearn suggesting he could face Martin Bakole or Deontay Wilder.

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Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua: Teddy Atlas picks winner for

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Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua: Teddy Atlas picks winner for all-British showdown

There was plenty of excitement amongst boxing fans at the start of 2025 with it looking likely that Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua would finally meet inside the ring.

With both men seemingly out of the world title picture and the curtain beginning to come down on two memorable careers, it looked like a Battle of Britain would be the perfect way to bow out of boxing.

However, these plans were thrown into disarray after Fury announced last week his decision to retire.

While this did produce a shock, many within boxing are taking this news with a pinch of salt with Fury known for reversing numerous retirement decisions in the past.

Some have even decided to applaud Fury as he uses retirement as a negotiation tactic to get a bigger purse for a showdown with AJ.

Regardless of whether this fight materialises, it is still a hotly debated topic with renowned boxing analyst Teddy Atlas the latest to make his pick when it comes to finding a winner.

“Whoever has more left of themselves, who didn’t leave more of themselves in the ring,” Atlas told CanadaCasino.ca.

“In the last few fights AJ left a lot of himself in the ring. You leave parts of yourself in the ring. He’s a gutsy guy. He had a great career. Obviously everyone loves him. But a part of him was left in the ring.

“Part of Tyson Fury was left in the ring in those [Deontay] Wilder fights. We forget. It removed a little bit from him.  Also that first [Oleksandr] Usyk. That ninth round, he left parts of himself in that ring.”

“That’s what it’ll come down to now. I if I was to venture, Joshua has more physically left, but Fury to me was always stronger mentally, and I have to stick by what I’ve said forever. I think that at the end it’s 75% mental, and if that shows itself to be true, then I would go with Fury always being a little stronger on the mental side than Joshua.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

“I think Joshua is a gutsy guy. I think he showed a lot coming back and facing the devil after he got knocked out by [Andy] Ruiz, he changed his style. He did what he had to do, but he faced the devil. He came back in that fight. He’s shown a strong constitution, a strong mental toughness to do that. There’s no doubt about that. But at the at the same time, Fury’s mentality has been really his greatest strength”

Fury may be done with the sport of boxing, but Joshua certainly is not and according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, there are seven possible opponents for the Olympian, with an official announcement yet to be made.

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