Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua revealed today that he plans to fight for two more years before retiring at the age of 37.
Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs), whose fortune is estimated at more than $200 million and is likely to double in the next two years, hopes to survive the next two years if his body allows.
Joshua turns 35 in October and is eyeing a fight against the winner of the May 18 bout between WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and IBF/WBA/WBO champion Oleksandr Usyk.
By then, AJ is expected to face the winner of the June 1st fight between Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois for the vacant IBF title.
“I've always said I'm 35. I'll be 35 in October. If my body holds up, I think I'll be good for another two years,” Joshua said on The Jonathan Ross Show.
Reason for resignation
Fans will naturally speculate as to why Joshua chose to hang up his gloves after two years, when he appears to be at his best and has made significant improvements under the tutelage of trainer Ben Davison. Dew.
Possible reasons include:
- Physical wear: Boxing is a youth sport, and the punishment AJ faces for staying too long could have repercussions later in life.
- Legacy concerns: Retiring at age 37 would increase the chances that Joshua leaves the job with a relatively clean resume. If he stays too long, he could suffer as many losses as great fighters of the past like Roy Jones Jr.
- New opportunities: Joshua could think of other opportunities to spend his time and energy. If he stays in boxing, Joshua will not be able to do much as he will spend time training and taking care of himself.
What's next for AJ?
Joshua's next move is to face the winner of the Hrgovic vs. Dubois fight, but it won't be easy for him. Both fighters have size, youth, and power.
Joshua wants to fight Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight championship, but that matchup may not happen under ideal circumstances.
If Fury loses to Usyk, which is highly likely given his age, Joshua will be uncomfortable facing his former conqueror Oleksandr. Maybe Joshua will face a defeated Fury with another defeat on his resume after his third loss to Usyk.
