Anthony Joshua’s route back to the top
Preceding Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, many fans and even pundits called for the former heavyweight champion to retire should he not come out victorious. However, following Joshua’s valiant effort on August the 20th, most true boxing fans are willing the Brit to continue his career.
Yet, after a staggering run of 12 consecutive world title fights, it is difficult to picture the Olympic gold medallist fighting at lower levels and working his way up the ranks once more. The second stage of Joshua’s career has no certain path, but without the obligations that come with being champion, there may be an abundance of exciting opportunities coming AJ’s way. Here are three routes that could bring Joshua back to the summit of boxing:
Reigniting Rivalries
Of course, world championship belts carry a lot of prestige, but nothing excites boxing fans more than a grudge match. And Joshua has plenty of these to settle before he hangs up his gloves.
A fight against Dillian Whyte will never fail to be a British blockbuster. Joshua claimed an impressive victory over Whyte back in 2015, but The Body Snatcher still boasts a win over AJ from their amateur days, effectively making the score 1-1. Perfect for a decider. Despite the pair coming off losses, the narrative between the London rivals is sure to capture fight fans interest should they share the ring for one final showdown.
Wilder vs Joshua was once a fight that seemed destined to happen. After all, the pair held all four world title belts between them for 1225 days. However, losses for both men derailed their potential face-off. But even without the belts, the prospect of the two rivals finally crossing paths would send boxing fans into pandemonium. A win for either man would surely catapult them back to the pinnacle of boxing, making this fight exactly what both former champions need.
Becoming mandatory
A more traditional, and somewhat less risky, route back to the top for Joshua could be to work his way into a mandatory position. This may bring about a fight against the winner of Fury vs Usyk, however more realistically may allow him to fight for a vacant title.
Fights against top contenders such as Filip Hrgovic and Joe Joyce may not wet the fans appetite but could put Joshua into a more favourable position for when the heavyweight titles inevitably become fragmented. Although not as fan friendly, this strategy may be exactly what the Brit needs in order to be a 3-time heavyweight champion.
Joshua on the road
Another, and perhaps the most exciting option for Joshua, is to take advantage of his global superstardom, and fight in many different territories across the world. Currently, the world heavyweight scene is packed with a diverse group of fighters from a variety of countries. This gives Joshua the opportunity to showcase his talents in new and unexplored locations, whilst also rebuilding his stock and confidence.
A fight against Zhang Zhilei, of China, could prove the perfect comeback fight for AJ. Zhang is widely regarded as a top 15 heavyweight, making him a credible opponent, whilst also allowing the opportunity to stage a fight at Beijing’s 80,000 seater stadium, the Bird’s Nest. This would be a stunning spectacle and may bring a whole new audience to the career of Anthony Joshua.