Despite suffering his second straight defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua plans to continue fighting and could make a comeback towards the end of 2022.
The British fighter performed far better than he did against Usyk in London last September, but on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, he lost to the WBA, IBF, and WBO champion by split decision.
Usyk was superior than Joshua that evening. Johnny Nelson, a former WBO cruiserweight champion, has claimed Joshua may give up fighting if he lost the battle.
However, following the bout, the 32-year-old and his promoter Eddie Hearn reiterated that there is no possibility of that occurring.
After losing to Usyk, Joshua cut an emotional figure and is considering making a return in December.
Due to the fact that momentum is crucial in boxing, I questioned Eddie whether it was conceivable to win in November. December, Eddie said,” stated Joshua.
“Come one, come all if it’s about who I fight. I don’t mind if someone wants it; they can have it.
Hearn stated there are still many exciting battles in store for his fighter in an interview with talkSPORT on Sunday morning.
People had been speculating about his retirement, according to Hearn.
“Why would you think about retiring when you fall short in a split decision to the pound-for-pound number one?
The key is passion. It concerns if you still desire it. By his post-fight interview, you could see how much he wanted it.
Joshua was upset after his second defeat against Usyk, but he plans to continue fighting.
Joshua was comforted by the boxing promoter after his second consecutive defeat by Usyk.
Hearn then recommended Deontay Wilder, a former WBC heavyweight champion, and Dillian Whyte, a longtime foe, as two potential opponents.
“I want to see him go back outside. Perhaps as late as December,” Hearn said.
“He faces significant battles. Deontay Wilder and Dillian Whyte.
“He has a lot of battles in the top [10]. Even several British fighters for him are supporting him in a few battles.
We just need to wait and see what he intends to accomplish. Although it will be a very difficult defeat to accept, he will return.
Joshua and Wilder have been rumored to have a fight for years.
Also possible is a rematch between AJ and Whyte.
Following Usyk vs. Joshua 2, Wilder claimed on social media that he and Hearn had previously spoken about a prospective fight with AJ.
They attempted to lock me up because they needed insurance and they knew he wouldn’t win. There is a difference between this and a sport; it’s completely business,” Wilder tweeted.
Given that the American has already committed to fighting Robert Helenius on Saturday, October 15, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City, it is improbable that Joshua and Wilder will square off this year.
But given that they both just suffered defeats, have the same promoter, and are not presently associated with any other opponents, a bout with Whyte might be readily scheduled.