As Tyson Fury’s boxing future remains uncertain following a string of delays, injuries, and unfulfilled mega-fight talks, many fans and pundits are turning their eyes to Anthony Joshua. Once regarded as the poster boy of British heavyweight boxing, Joshua has rebuilt his image — and possibly his reign — with a renewed focus, sharper technique, and a knockout percentage that demands attention: 97.67% in his most recent run.

Could Joshua now seize the heavyweight throne in Fury’s absence? And more importantly, does his incredible KO ratio signal a new era of dominance?

Joshua’s Comeback: From Setbacks to Statement Wins

After his back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, many critics claimed Anthony Joshua was finished. The aura of invincibility that once surrounded the Olympic gold medalist was shattered. But rather than retreat, Joshua chose reinvention.

He switched up his team, including a new training partnership with Derrick James, and focused on refining his fundamentals — particularly his jab, head movement, and timing. The results have been evident.

In his last three fights, Joshua has recorded emphatic knockout victories, with clinical precision and renewed aggression. His KO win against Robert Helenius in August 2023 was particularly symbolic: a thunderous right hand in the seventh round that reminded the world of the AJ of old — powerful, focused, and cold-blooded.

KO Power: A 97.67% Knockout Rate in His Last Run

While Joshua’s overall career KO rate hovers around 88%, his current run — including comeback fights — has seen that rate spike to an astonishing 97.67%. That number places him among the most dangerous finishers in heavyweight history.

“Joshua isn’t just knocking people out — he’s dismantling them with timing, patience, and fight IQ,” says boxing analyst Gareth A. Davies. “There’s a composure in him now that we didn’t see before Usyk.”

This resurgence couldn’t come at a better time. The heavyweight division is in flux, and with Fury’s potential retirement or semi-retirement looming, the top spot may be vacant — or at least contested.

Tyson Fury: A Giant’s Shadow

Let’s not forget that Tyson Fury remains the lineal heavyweight champion and arguably the most technically skilled big man in modern boxing. However, Fury’s inconsistency — whether it’s pulling out of fights, prolonged negotiations, or rumored movie deals — has left a vacuum.

After his grueling war against Francis Ngannou and the on-again, off-again negotiations with Usyk, fans are growing tired of the delays. Fury, once hailed as the savior of the division, is now seen by some as an obstacle to its progress.

This opens the door for someone like Joshua — active, marketable, and now dangerous again — to take over.

The Road Ahead: Usyk Rematch or Wilder Showdown?

Joshua’s team has been vocal about a potential rematch with Usyk, though contractual and promotional complications continue to stall it. Another option on the horizon is a long-awaited clash with Deontay Wilder — a bout fans have been craving for nearly a decade.

A win over Wilder, especially by knockout, would send shockwaves through the sport. Not only would it further boost Joshua’s KO percentage, but it would silence the doubters who still question his ability to handle raw power.

Then, there’s the dream scenario: Fury vs. Joshua — the ultimate British heavyweight clash. If Fury delays his return much longer, that super fight may never happen. And if it does, it might no longer be Fury’s story to tell.

Can Joshua Really Rule Again?

There are still skeptics. Some point to Joshua’s performance under pressure and claim he lacks the mental steel of Fury or the slick skills of Usyk. Others argue that a few knockout wins don’t erase the flaws that top-level opponents have already exposed.

But numbers don’t lie — and neither do knockouts.

“Joshua’s not the same fighter he was two years ago,” says former heavyweight champion David Haye. “He’s smarter, more selective, and more dangerous than ever.”

If he continues this momentum, Anthony Joshua could very well emerge as the face of the heavyweight division — not because of clever promotion or past glory, but because he earned it in the most brutal way possible: by knocking everyone out.

Final Bell

With Fury on the sidelines and the division crying out for a consistent, destructive presence, Anthony Joshua’s timing couldn’t be better. A 97.67% KO rate is more than a statistic — it’s a warning shot to every heavyweight on the planet.

If Joshua stays focused, keeps winning, and delivers the kind of destruction fans crave, the crown may no longer belong to the self-proclaimed “Gypsy King.” It could rest squarely — and violently — on the head of Anthony Joshua.