Anthony Joshua, widely regarded as one of the most formidable heavyweights of his generation, has hinted at the possibility of retiring by the end of 2026. This revelation comes from his promoter, Eddie Hearn, who shared insights into Joshua’s future plans as the fighter prepares for his upcoming bout at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
At 34 years old, Joshua is aiming to become a three-time heavyweight world champion. His next fight, although not yet confirmed, could see him compete for Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF title, depending on the outcome of Usyk’s rematch with Tyson Fury. This fight represents a significant milestone in Joshua’s career, which began in 2013 and has been marked by numerous high-profile victories and championship titles.
Eddie Hearn emphasized that Joshua’s current motivation is centered around cementing his legacy and achieving greatness in the sport. “He’s fighting for legacy and greatness,” Hearn told PA news agency. “If he wins in September and beats Fury or Usyk to become undisputed, then what else do you do?” The promoter suggested that while Joshua is still performing at his peak, the fighter might decide to retire sooner than expected, possibly even as early as next year. “It could even be next year, who knows? He’ll want to continue while he’s performing and right now he’s the best ever,” Hearn added.
Daniel Dubois, who recently claimed a significant victory over Filip Hrgovic, is considered the frontrunner to face Joshua if the IBF belt becomes available. Hearn acknowledged the challenge Dubois presents, describing him as a “dangerous fighter” who has matured significantly and gained massive confidence from his recent win. Other potential opponents include Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker, both of whom have history with Joshua. Parker, having faced Joshua previously in a fight that saw Joshua unify the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles, is also a strong contender, especially after notable victories over Deontay Wilder and Zhang.
Joshua’s recent victory over Francis Ngannou extended his winning streak to four and demonstrated his continued prowess in the ring. Hearn is confident that Joshua can recapture his belts and dominate the heavyweight division once again. “He’s in the best physical and mental condition of his career so far, and at the moment, he beats everyone in the sport,” Hearn asserted. As Joshua looks ahead to his September fight and beyond, the boxing world is abuzz with speculation about his potential retirement. Whether he chooses to retire at the end of 2026 or surprises fans with an earlier exit, one thing is certain: Anthony Joshua’s legacy in boxing is already secure, and his remaining time in the sport promises to be as thrilling and impactful as his illustrious career thus far.
