Anthony Joshua, the British heavyweight boxing star, took a while off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the place he was seen having fun with a recreation of chess beneath the solar. Regardless of being away from the ring, the previous world champion seemed in prime form as he will get prepared for what might be his subsequent large struggle.
Anthony Joshua, the British heavyweight boxing star, absorbing the nice and cozy climate in Riyadh.(Instagram)
Though Joshua hasn’t fought since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois final September, supporters stay satisfied he’s removed from executed. The Solar highlighted how followers flooded his social media with reward after seeing his newest footage, with feedback like “Unstoppable, humble warrior” and “Bro, they’re not ready.” Others merely referred to him as “My champ” and “Undisputed…”
Regardless of his time away from competitors, Joshua’s dedication to coaching is clear. His muscular body and disciplined method recommend he’s staying prepared for when the following struggle name comes.
For years, boxing followers have been desperate to see Joshua sq. off towards Tyson Fury in what could be one of many largest fights in heavyweight historical past. Nevertheless, plans for that showdown had been thrown into doubt after Fury introduced his retirement in January. Given Fury’s historical past of a number of retirements and subsequent returns, there may be nonetheless hypothesis about whether or not he’ll step again into the ring.
Anthony Joshua having fun with a recreation of chess beneath the solar.(Instagram)
Within the meantime, Joshua’s staff is taking a look at different doable fights. Promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted that Joshua might face the winner of the Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph Parker struggle. Talking to iFL TV, Hearn stated: “Without Tyson Fury, AJ’s number one priority is to fight for the world heavyweight title. If that’s not Usyk, it’s likely the winner of Dubois vs. Parker.”
Joshua, at the moment in Saudi Arabia to observe the Dubois-Parker bout firsthand, has various choices if a title shot doesn’t materialize. Hearn talked about doable opponents corresponding to Martin Bakole, the winner of Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel, and even long-time rival Deontay Wilder.
As for a possible showdown with Fury, Hearn admitted that the door isn’t fully closed. He steered that within the coming weeks, Joshua’s staff could attain out for affirmation, saying: “Maybe there’s a conversation in a week or so where we ask Fury, ‘Just to let you know, are you definitely not interested in fighting AJ?’ If he’s coming out of retirement, now would be the time.”