Anthony Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight boxing champion, has revealed his ambition to fight long-time rival Tyson Fury in 2025. Speaking during his visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, the British-Nigerian boxer shared his determination to make the most of his remaining years in the sport and bounce back from a challenging 2024.
“Time is of the essence, time is limited. I just want to put in more work. In 2024, when I look back, I believe I could have done more, and I have another chance in 2025 to do more,” Joshua said to reporters.
Determined to Bounce Back
The 35-year-old heavyweight is coming off a difficult year, having lost three of his last seven fights, including a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September. Despite the setbacks, Joshua is determined to reclaim his status in the boxing world.
“I’m going to make sure that I take every opportunity that comes my way. Ups and downs, they happen. To some people, it is always up. My life is up and down, so I have got to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave,” he stated.
When asked about the possibility of finally stepping into the ring with Tyson Fury, Joshua was optimistic but cautious.
“We’ll see, let’s get in the ring. Only God knows, but for me, we’ll see in the future,” he said.
Highs and Lows in 2024
Although 2024 was a tough year for Joshua, it wasn’t without its highlights. His spectacular second-round knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in March earned him CBS Sports’ Knockout of the Year award. Joshua floored Ngannou twice before delivering a devastating overhand right that ended the fight.
However, the momentum from that victory was short-lived. In September, Joshua suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. Dubois, who won the IBF heavyweight title earlier in the year, dropped Joshua four times before knocking him out in the fifth round.
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Looking Ahead to 2025
Entering 2025, Joshua faces an uphill battle. With a professional record of 28 wins and four losses, he acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains focused on reclaiming his spot at the top of the heavyweight division.
The prospect of a fight with Tyson Fury still looms large, even though both men are currently without world titles. Fury also had a difficult 2024, suffering back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, which crowned Usyk as the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.
Despite their recent setbacks, a Joshua-Fury clash would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated events in British boxing history. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the two rivals can finally settle their long-standing rivalry in the ring.
Joshua summed up his determination to keep fighting: “I’m going to go again.”
Whether that journey leads to a showdown with Tyson Fury in 2025 remains to be seen, but Joshua’s resolve is clear: he’s not done yet.