The boxing world is buzzing again—and all eyes are on Anthony Joshua, the British heavyweight titan who is reportedly in advanced negotiations for a two-fight blockbuster deal set to take place during the upcoming Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.

If confirmed, this move could reshape the heavyweight landscape and give fans the kind of high-stakes showdowns they’ve been longing for.

A New Era for Joshua

Anthony Joshua, the two-time unified heavyweight champion, has spent the last year rebuilding momentum after a string of mixed results. With back-to-back wins under his belt and a renewed sense of focus under his new training camp, Joshua is now eyeing a comeback on the grandest stage possible.

According to insiders close to the Riyadh Season planning committee, Joshua is set to headline not one but two major bouts, both of which are being described as “career-defining.”

One official from the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA) hinted:

“Joshua is a global icon. Riyadh wants more than just one fight. The plan is to create a two-part saga—historic, cinematic, and unforgettable.”

Who’s on the Other Side of the Ring?

While the official opponents have not yet been confirmed, rumors are swirling about who might face AJ under the bright lights of Riyadh.

The top contenders being discussed include:

• Deontay Wilder – The long-awaited clash between Joshua and the American power puncher has been teased for years. Both men were dominant champions in their prime, but the fight never materialized. This could finally be the moment.

• Filip Hrgović – The undefeated Croatian heavyweight has been calling out the division’s elite and is reportedly next in line for a title shot. A win over Joshua would catapult him into superstardom.

• Francis Ngannou – The former UFC champion has made waves in boxing, especially after his impressive performance against Tyson Fury. A matchup with Joshua would be another massive MMA-to-boxing crossover event.

According to reports, Joshua’s camp is open to any of these opponents, as long as the terms are right and the stakes are high.

Riyadh Season: The New Boxing Capital?

Saudi Arabia has quickly become a dominant force in the global sporting arena. From hosting Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League to staging major boxing events like Fury vs. Ngannou and Usyk vs. Fury, the Kingdom is rewriting the rules of sports entertainment.

Riyadh Season, an annual cultural and entertainment festival, has increasingly turned to high-profile boxing to draw global attention. In 2023, it was the site of one of the most-watched combat events in history. Now, with Joshua potentially stepping in for two fights, the Kingdom may be looking at a billion-dollar sports spectacle.

“This is about more than boxing,” says sports marketing analyst Omar Khalid. “It’s about legacy, influence, and global reach. Joshua is the perfect face for this new wave of entertainment diplomacy.”

Financial Stakes: A Massive Payday for AJ

The numbers being whispered behind the scenes are staggering. Each fight could reportedly earn Joshua upwards of $50 million, not including bonuses, sponsorships, or global broadcast rights.

For comparison, his previous highest purse was estimated at around $75 million for his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in 2022—also held in Saudi Arabia.

It’s a bold but strategic move for Joshua, who turns 36 next year. These two potential fights could mark his last major run at heavyweight glory—or his final bow.

Fan Reaction: Anticipation and Anxiety

Online reactions have been electric. Fans are divided between those thrilled to see AJ back on the biggest stage and those nervous about the risks.

One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Joshua vs Wilder in Riyadh? That’s a nuclear bomb waiting to explode. Make it happen!”

Another commented:

“Love AJ, but he’s not the same fighter anymore. Hope he’s ready for war.”

Boxing pundits, meanwhile, are intrigued. Former champion Lennox Lewis said during a podcast:

“Joshua has the tools. He just needs to believe again. If he fights smart, this could be his era again.”

What’s Next?

The deal is reportedly in the final stages of negotiation, with announcements expected within the next few weeks. Joshua’s camp has remained tight-lipped, but a close source confirmed:

“He’s in camp. He’s locked in. This is the most focused we’ve seen him since 2017.”

For fans of heavyweight boxing, the possibility of two colossal matchups in Riyadh marks a return to the golden era of boxing—with fireworks, drama, and a chance for redemption.

And for Anthony Joshua, it could be the ultimate test: not just to reclaim glory, but to prove that he still belongs among the elite.