It’s been over a year since Anthony Joshua stepped into the ring and incurred a fatal stoppage loss against Daniel Dubois, but the former unified heavyweight (200+ lbs) has not yet called it quits to his career as he is expected to make a comeback in the next six months.
According to Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn, the Watford-born fighter’s expected return might see Joshua fight on an undercard:
“He’s [Joshua] ready to return, and he’s really motivated,” said Hearn in an interview with IFL TV.
“The one thing he wants is, he wants to be active. And it’s quite funny. We’re talking about how fighters could just go under the radar and have just an 8- or 10-round warmup fight without the pressure of having come back to do a massive stadium. I was like, ‘I don’t think I could probably sneak you on a card in Mexico, or somewhere like that’, but the desire for him is to get active and to get himself in a position where when we land ― hopefully ― the Tyson Fury fight, we’re ready.“
While a fight with Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KO’s) has been a desired matchup since Anthony Joshua conquered his first world title in 2016 against then-incumbent IBF champion Charles Martin, the speculation never led to an actual fight and appears less likely since Fury announced himself retired.
Another possible opponent that appears more realistic seems to be Russian contender Arslanbek Makhmudov (21-2, 19 KO’s). Having presided over a unanimous decision (UD) victory over British heavyweight Dave Allen (24-8-2, 19 KO’s), Makhmudov has technically earned a fight with Joshua after a supposed promise the Brit made before Makhmudov’s fight with Allen:
“I came to the UK, I [won against] Dave Allen, and by the way we already spoke with AJ [Anthony Joshua] before the fight,” said Makhmudov during an interview with Sky Sports.
“He [gave me a] promise. If I win this fight with Dave Allen he’s gonna fight with me. That’s why [I’m just waiting a] response from AJ. Joshua, hey, when [do] we fight? I [am waiting] for you and am ready for you. Everything’s perfect. UK fans know me, I [showed] my good performance in the last fight, and now is just to answer [the] question; can we do a fight with AJ?“
Given Hearn’s prediction of Anthony Joshua potentially fighting on an undercard, a Riyadh Season or The Ring card would be a most logical placement for a Joshua-Makhmudov fight ― despite the bout in itself being able to stand alone as a main event in the United Kingdom.
The only real barrier appears to be Joshua himself who has yet to publicly state his desire to face Makhmudov.
