There’s a strong chance that Anthony Joshua could face the winner of this weekend’s blockbuster heavyweight title clash—though opinions are divided on whether he should.
For many, the idea of Joshua—coming off a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois—challenging the winner seems questionable. If Oleksandr Usyk emerges victorious, a trilogy fight with AJ is highly unlikely given Usyk’s dominant 2-0 record over him. However, if Tyson Fury wins, the prospect of Joshua vs. Fury could ignite what might be the biggest fight in British boxing history.
Joshua’s appeal lies not just in his boxing skills but also in his undeniable star power. His ability to draw massive crowds and generate global attention makes him an attractive option for top-tier opponents, even if his recent performances have raised doubts about whether he truly deserves the opportunity.
HUGE KNOCKOUT! 💥 Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua | IBF Heavyweight Title Highlights
The Anthony Joshua Dilemma
Joshua looked far from his best in the fight against Dubois. While everyone has an off night, Dubois capitalized on the opportunity and walked away with the win. Now, Dubois is stepping back into the fray with a scheduled bout against Joseph Parker in Saudi Arabia this February, while Joshua’s next move remains uncertain.
There’s speculation that Joshua is holding out for a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, regardless of the outcome of Fury vs. Usyk. Such a match would transcend titles and rankings, fueled by the politics of boxing—a long-standing issue in the sport. Yet, the recent surge in high-profile heavyweight fights has somewhat distracted fans from these complications.
Whether Joshua’s next fight is a redemption story or another step into the spotlight, one thing is clear: his star power continues to keep him in the conversation at the highest level of boxing.