While wrestling brands such as WWE always deliver plenty of excitement to fight fans, it is not the
only combat sport around to get into. MMA is an obvious example but boxing is also a sport that gets
a lot of attention. Anthony Joshua remains a big name in the heavyweight boxing world and is on
somewhat of a mission to get back to the top of the board.
Although he suffered two devastating losses to Oleksandr Usyk, a recent victory over Jermaine
Franklin in April 2023 got him back to his winning ways. This has naturally left AJ looking for his next
opponent ’“ and boxing fans wondering just who it could be. Although nothing has been confirmed as
yet, rumours abound that Joshua will not fight again until December 2023.
But what can we expect from the British fighter’s next bout and who might he have lined up for it?
Plenty of attention on next AJ fight from fans and bettors
Although his star might not currently be shining quite as brightly, there is no doubt there will be a lot of
attention from fans on Joshua’s next clash. This applies not only to global boxing aficionados but also
those in the UK who will be keen to see who he chooses to face. This kind of high-level attention
should see a big crowd for the fight and a huge pay-per-view audience on TV.
Sports betting is closely linked with boxing and this means there should be lots of interest from
gamblers in Joshua’s next bout. Although this might see many wagers placed on who might win, other
bettors may well look at more exotic markets instead. Placing a wager on specific round betting is one
market that could see lots of action, as people look to predict which round the fight may end in.
But who are the most likely opponents for Joshua to take on?
Tyson Fury
AJ’s rumoured absence from the ring until December 2023 has led to assumptions being made over a
major fight being in the works for his next battle. With this in mind, British heavyweight legend Tyson
Fury may be the choice. This, after all, is a fight that has been talked about a lot in the past and
previous attempts have been made to stage it. While no agreement could be reached between the
two camps then, the situation for both fighters is different now.
The failure to make a headline-grabbing unification bout with Usyk leaves Fury looking around for his
next big contest. By the same token, Joshua will know that a fight with Fury could be a route back to
the top. There is no doubt that a victory over Fury would see him grab lots of positive headlines and
also the Gypsy King’s WBC title belt. With AJ seemingly open to this bout, it could well happen.
Oleksandr Usyk
Although the 2019 loss to Ruiz Jr. blemished Joshua’s record, it was the two defeats to Usyk that
really hurt his reputation. It would not surprise you at all therefore to see him keen to avenge them
and take on a third fight against the Ukrainian. In addition, a third fight against Usyk would be popular
with boxing fans and see AJ in with a chance of winning the Ukrainian’s title belts.
There are a couple of things that may well get in the way of this contest, though. Firstly, Usyk has
already been told to make a mandatory defence of his WBA belt against Daniel Dubois. This could
see Joshua look elsewhere for his next opponent. On top of this, you have to wonder if Usyk himself
would fancy another fight against someone he has beaten twice before.
Dillian Whyte
While the boxing schedule for June 2023 is loaded with top contests, December 2023 could well be a
big month if Joshua’s next fight happens then. If this turns out not to be a contest with top names like
Usyk or Fury, he may well look at fighting someone who is not quite at that level.
This would ensure he is not out of the ring for too long while he waits for who he really wants, and
also give him a confidence-boosting opportunity to notch up another win.
While Deontay Wilder has been mentioned, it may well be fellow Brit Dillian Whyte who AJ targets.
Whyte is someone who fits the bill and is open to taking Joshua on in the ring. This battle would also
be an interesting trilogy fight as both boxers have one win each from their two previous meetings
(although Whyte’s win was on points, as amateurs).
What next for Joshua?
As the above shows, there are a few potential options for Joshua in terms of who he could fight next.
It is likely to a blockbuster encounter ’“ whoever it is ’“ and a contest that will attract plenty of attention
from fight fans.
