According to promoter Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua might consider retiring from his boxing career “by the end of 2024 or the following year.”
The 34-year-old British fighter is aiming to become a three-time heavyweight world champion, with his next bout scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium on September 21.
Joshua may fight for Oleksandr Usyk’s IBF title if it becomes available before a potential rematch with Tyson Fury.
Promoter Hearn revealed that Joshua is fighting for “legacy” and “greatness” as he approaches the end of his professional career, which began in 2013.
When asked how long Joshua plans to stay in the sport, Hearn told PA: “I think it could be by the end of 2024”.
“If he wins in September and then beats Fury or Usyk to become the undisputed champion, what else is there left to achieve?
“It could even be next year, who knows? He wants to continue while he is performing at his best, and right now, he is in his prime.
“He wants a legacy, greatness. If you ask him, he also wants to put on great performances.”
According to Hearn, Daniel Dubois, who recently stopped Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia, will be the “front-runner” to face Joshua if the IBF title becomes available.
Hearn admitted that a 21-2-0 heavyweight fight with Dubois would be a “dangerous” match-up for Joshua.
“Joshua’s priority is to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world. If the IBF title is available, then Dubois will be the front-runner,” Hearn added.
“He’s a dangerous fighter. He’s always been a strong, good fighter and now he’s matured as a man and has a lot of confidence.
“It was a good win over Hrgovic. I didn’t expect him to get that, and now he’s positioning himself to fight for the heavyweight title. So, it’s a dangerous fight between two Brits.”
Hearn believes Joshua’s recent knockout victory over Francis Ngannou in March, which extended his winning streak to four, has put him in a strong position to reclaim his titles.
Hearn has advised Joshua to regain his belts, backing him to beat anyone in the sport to achieve that.
When asked if Joshua could become a three-time champion, Hearn said: “Absolutely. He’s in the best physical and mental condition of his career so far, and right now, he can beat anyone in this sport.”
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