Anthony Joshua believes he’s got “Loads” of time left in his career despite his creeping age and lack of quality wins in the last five years.
(Credit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)
AJ doesn’t say what kind of opposition he’d be fighting for him to continue fighting for a long time, but it can’t be dangerous opposition if things fall apart for him. He does have pride and wouldn’t want to ruin his legacy by losing repeatedly.
Joshua turns 35 next month, October 15th, and is heading towards the most treacherous part of his career with his challenge of IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois this Saturday night and a guaranteed fight against Tyson Fury in 2025.
The former two-time heavyweight champion Joshua hasn’t beaten a high-level fighter since his win over an out-of-shape 283-lb Andy Ruiz Jr. in December 2019. That’s a long time for any fighter to go between wins over quality opposition, especially for Joshua, who has a large following in the United Kingdom and is well-liked by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh.
Will Joshua feel eager to continue his career if he’s knocked out by Dubois (21-2, 20 KOs) and battered by Fury? It would depend on what Joshua’s goals are.
If he’s just out for money, he could continue fighting and making good dough well into his 40s. British boxing fans don’t give up on their fighters, as we’ve seen with UK journeyman Dereck Chisora.
It’s hard to imagine Joshua continuing with his career for much longer if he racks up one defeat after another, and it becomes forlorn after a while. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, obviously still sticks by his side until the bitter end, but it could be a joke after a while if he doesn’t get a clue and retires.
With Hearn’s matchmaking, Joshua can fight into old age. As long as Hearn matches Joshua the way he’s done recently with the four lesser guys, there’s no limit to how long he can continue fighting. However, it would be beyond pathetic if that’s how Joshua ends up.
“Loads,” Joshua said to DAZN Boxing when asked how much time he has left in his career. “It’s not the physical side; I’m strong as an Ox; I’m good. I’m fit, very fit. I’m pushing myself further. It’s just if I’m mentally hungry enough to do it, how long am I mentally ready to go into battle.”
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