Anthony Joshua: The Heavyweight at a Crossroads
Promoter Eddie Hearn has made it clear that despite recent setbacks, Anthony Joshua remains a significant draw in the heavyweight division. Even with a record of 28-4 and 25 knockouts, Joshua is still considered the "money heavyweight" in the sport. However, the landscape of heavyweight boxing has shifted dramatically over the years, and Joshua’s recent performance has led many to question his place in the hierarchy of the division.
A Frozen Star in the Heavyweight Sky
In many ways, Joshua can be likened to a frozen star. He was once a supernova, a force to be reckoned with, but now he’s a spent force, having used up his nuclear fuel. The current top heavyweights are a formidable group, and Joshua’s recent defeats have shown that he can no longer compete at the highest level. The notion that he can reignite and become a star again is a one-way process; once the fuel is gone, it cannot be replenished. This is a stark reality that Joshua and his team must confront as they plan his next steps.
Limited Options for a Win
Eddie Hearn has outlined several options for Joshua’s next fight, but none of them are straightforward. The top contenders are too good for Joshua, and he would likely be outmatched. The options Hearn has mentioned include Tyson Fury, the winner of Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker, Martin Bakole, and Deontay Wilder. Among these, the most realistic and winnable option for Joshua is a fight against Joseph Parker, who has shown signs of vulnerability in recent matches.
Hearn’s Hope for a Fury Comeback
Hearn is particularly keen on a match between Joshua and Tyson Fury, though he admits the likelihood of Fury coming out of retirement is slim. Fury looked lackluster in his rematch against Oleksandr Usyk last December, and there’s no guarantee he will be tempted back into the ring, even for a significant financial offer. Hearn’s enthusiasm for a Parker victory over Dubois is evident, as it would provide a more manageable opponent for Joshua. Parker, known for his cautious approach and recent loss to Joe Joyce, seems like the best chance for Joshua to score a win.
The Financial Draw of Anthony Joshua
Despite the challenges, Hearn remains confident in Joshua’s marketability. "To the disappointment of many, AJ is still the money of the heavyweight division, and we can fight whoever we want," Hearn told Ariel Helwani. This financial clout means that Joshua can still pull in large audiences and generate significant revenue, even if his in-ring performance is no longer at its peak. Hearn believes Joshua has two or three fights left in him, and the focus is on maximizing the financial return from these remaining opportunities.
A June Return and What Lies Ahead
Joshua is scheduled to fight twice this year, with his first bout set for June. The choices for his next opponent are crucial, as they will determine the trajectory of his career. The most realistic and possibly winnable option appears to be Joseph Parker, but Hearn and Joshua’s team must weigh the financial and competitive aspects of each potential match. The next few weeks will be critical, as the decisions made will have a significant impact on Joshua’s legacy and the future of his boxing career.
