Anthony Joshua is still looking for a 2025 Opponent - But who is safe for him?

The former 2-time multiple title belt claimant is often called a highly accomplished boxer and sporting superstar, and just as often referred to now as a fragile chinned hype job. The reality, is that he can rightly be regarded as both. But now, at 35, the long beloved A.J. is into the twilight of his career, and he's on the lookout for a mid-year opponent who will keep him active, in the limelight; without handing him a loss which surely might be his last. As with these situations, the perfect opponent will be a good one, a top 1 percenter; but not too good. Not for this fight, anyway. Plan A was the long overdue showdown with the erstwhile former Actual world champion, Tyson Fury; who won the World Championship from Wladamir Klitschko in November 2015 and lost it to Oleksandr Usyk in May of 2024. Over the course of their respective careers, the betting favorite between them has probably shifted several times depending on their most recent outing. For the world, and particularly for the British, that fight still holds some strong meaning, to legacy and to bragging rights. But those hopes were dashed (or delayed, at least), when Fury abruptly announced his latest retirement early this year. So now, the still active Joshua has got to stay active. But WHO should he fight? Anything below a top 30-35 opponent would send the message that the former champion is afraid of getting KOd again, but he's GOT to take care not to bite off more than he can chew for this outing! In my personal estimation, prospective opponents break down like this, below. What do Boxing Scene people think? A) Wait for a career finale payday: Oleksandr Usyk, Ukraine 24-0-0 (14) Tyson Fury, England 34-2-1 (24) Daniel Dubois, England 22-2-0 (21) Joseph Parker, New Zealand 36-3-0 (24) Agit Kabayel, Turkey 26-0-0 (18) B) Just Too Dangerious for this fight: Zhilei Zhang, China 27-3-1 (22) Andy Ruiz Jr., USA 35-2-1 (22) Jarrell Miller, USA 26-1-2 (22) C) Brave Challenge, High Risk: Derrick Chisora, England 36-13-0(23) Martin Bakole, Congo 21-2-0. (16) Fabio Wardley, England 18-0-1 (17) Moses Itauma, England 11-0-0 (9) Dillian Whyte, England 31-3-0 (21) Deontay Wilder, USA 43-4-1 (42) Joe Joyce, England 16-3-0 (15) D) Perfect opponents - In Joshua's league: Efe Ajagba, Nigeria 20-1-0 (14) Filip Hrgovic, Croatia 17-1-0 (14) Luis Ortiz, Cuba 34-3-0 (29) Richard Torrez, USA 12-0-0 (11) Guido Vianello, Italy 13-2-1 (11) Michael Hunter, USA 24-1-2 (17) Justis Huni, Australia 12-0-0 (7) Lawrence Okolie, England 21-1-0(16) Frank Sanchez, Cuba 25-1-0 (17) Jai Opetaia, Australia 27-0-0 (21) Hughie Fury, England 29-3-0 (16) Ivan Dychko, Kazachstan 14-0-0 (13) Jared Anderson, USA 18-1-0 (15) Bakhodir Jalolov, Uzbek 14-0-0 (14) Murat Gassiev, Armenia 31-2-0 (24) Nelson Hysa, Albania 20-0-0 (18) Chris Billam-Smith, England 20-2-0 (13) Am I right or wrong?

Comments (20)

I can't believe this fights an actual possibility and not sure if you're serious or not (as the fight is just that ridiculous and goofy) but I think this is genuinely the fight that makes the most sense. Take the 50 mill knock Paul spark out in 1 round and call it a day. Why stick around taking knocks from big dangerous lumps like Bakole or whoever for far less. I would really just like to see Jake Paul legally murdered in the ring.

1y ago

MulaKO

No heavy Brings more money in for Aj than Fury. And AJ should be trying to fight the guy that just kicked his a** but he aj is a duck. It should be Dubois, if no dubois? It should be fury. Either way he gets his as** kicked again. May as well get paid for it Lmfao but Jake Paul might be his next opponent Slow Eddie has mentioned it and is considering it His safe bet would be Clarissa I stand by that thought lmao

1y ago

Hustle

- - Nobody need Blubber any more. AJ still the man with the purses and can get any young heavy he wants. No heavy Brings more money in for Aj than Fury. And AJ should be trying to fight the guy that just kicked his a** but he aj is a duck. It should be Dubois, if no dubois? It should be fury. Either way he gets his as** kicked again. May as well get paid for it

1y ago

Hustle

Idk. Are you that sure that AJ beats Fury? I think he has the better chance, but man AJs chin just betrays him sometimes. I'm not sure Aj beats anybody which is why you go get the 20illion fighting fury instead of losing to a no name

1y ago

JakeTheBoxer

Kabayel (WBC Interim) already called him out & is willing to risk his WBC mandatory position for the AJ payday... I believe he knocks Joshua out.

1y ago

joe_strong

Kabayel (WBC Interim) already called him out & is willing to risk his WBC mandatory position for the AJ payday...

1y ago

BustedKnuckles

If you're trying to protect AJ then fury is the only fight that makes sense. Nothing else Idk. Are you that sure that AJ beats Fury? I think he has the better chance, but man AJs chin just betrays him sometimes.

1y ago

QueensburyRules

If you're trying to protect AJ then fury is the only fight that makes sense. Nothing else - - Nobody need Blubber any more. AJ still the man with the purses and can get any young heavy he wants.

1y ago

Hustle

That's the fight for Kabayel to make, if he can't get Usyk first, but prob not a good move for AJ if he wants to either win safely or cash out. If you're trying to protect AJ then fury is the only fight that makes sense. Nothing else

1y ago

RingoKid

Beat up on Baby Hughie Fury and bait Tyson into avenging the loss. OTOH Hughie needs to show he can hang with the B tier fighters of which AJ is now definitely one.

1y ago

MulaKO

jakie cant even beat tommy fury AJ would make a pancake out of him I know , you know but the article does say safe opponent JP is exactly that or back Clarissa

1y ago

Smash

Looks like papi Slow Eddie Hearn has other ideas for his cash cow https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/dangerous-proposition-eddie-hearn-on-jake-pauls-2026-anthony-joshua-challenge-highlighting-the-financial-and-physical-risks-for-both-fighters/288960 jakie cant even beat tommy fury AJ would make a pancake out of him

1y ago

JakeTheBoxer

He should just retire. he was so bad against DDD that probably everybody top 20 can beat him at this point. He made his money, he should just retire and enjoy.

1y ago

MulaKO

1y ago

MulaKO

AJ fury is a stadium fight at the moment in the uk if either of them lose again it will damage things fairly bad i would say so hearn im sure is desperate to get fury out of bed i think its still a decent fight now If only Hearn had him in his stable And only if they BOTH promise to go away right after ; win , lose or draw

1y ago

Smash

1y ago

MulaKO

Doesn't she already have a score to settle with Keef? Keef is going back to the woods to get his hippie yeah yeahs out Clearly this is the match up; AJ vs Shields :bounce:

1y ago

crimsonfalcon07

It’s very obvious who AJ’s next opponent should be ; Clarissa Shields Safe , non-toxic and self efficient :cool: Doesn't she already have a score to settle with Keef?

1y ago

MulaKO

It’s very obvious who AJ’s next opponent should be ; Clarissa Shields Safe , non-toxic and self efficient :cool:

1y ago

BustedKnuckles

Joshua vs kabayel is the fight to make if no fury That's the fight for Kabayel to make, if he can't get Usyk first, but prob not a good move for AJ if he wants to either win safely or cash out.

1y ago