Anthony Joshua’s team has narrowed down the list of possible opponents to 10 fighters, but the official announcement hasn’t been made yet. Efe Ajagba, who is Nigerian like Joshua, and Derek Chisora, who is currently ranked #2 by the IBF, are two of the top contenders. Martin Bakole, Justis Huni, and Arslanbek Makhmudov are also options.
The choice will have a big effect on Joshua’s career and chances of getting a title shot. Every possible matchup has its own strategic benefits that are worth looking into.
The Top Contenders on Joshua’s Radar
Who is the most likely person to fight Anthony Joshua when he returns to the ring? Joshua’s team is working to find his next fight in a competitive heavyweight boxing scene after he lost by knockout to Daniel Dubois a year and a half ago.
Eddie Hearn has confirmed that they are now focusing on a list of ten people after ending talks with Jake Paul. The best next opponent for Joshua should be risky enough to get him ready for bigger fights.
Names like Efe Ajagba and Derek Chisora stand out. Ajagba appeals to people with Nigerian heritage, and Chisora’s IBF #2 ranking could help Joshua get another title shot quickly. Other people who could win are Martin Bakole, Justis Huni, and Arslanbek Makhmudov. Makhmudov recently said that Joshua promised him a fight after beating Dave Allen.
Strategic Implications for Joshua’s Career Path
Joshua is thinking about who to fight next from a short list of possible opponents. His choice will have a huge impact on the course of his boxing career for the next few years.
You can’t stress enough how important this decision is from a strategic point of view. A less difficult opponent might make Joshua feel better about himself, but it could also hurt his chances of winning the title. Picking someone like Efe Ajagba or Martin Bakole is a real risk, but it keeps your credibility. When making a fight prediction, you have to think about how Joshua’s skills match up with the style of the person he’s fighting.
The timing matters too. Joshua needs just the right amount of resistance to improve his skills without getting hurt, especially since he might fight Tyson Fury in 2026. His Nigerian background may also play a role in who he fights next, especially since Hearn is looking into African venues for future fights.
Fan Expectations and Box Office Appeal
Fans of boxing have strong feelings about Joshua’s next opponent, and their expectations have a big impact on how well his comeback fight will do at the box office. You can tell that boxing fans are split on this issue. Some want him to fight rising stars like Richard Torrez Jr., while others want him to fight established stars like Derek Chisora or Jarrell Miller to make sure the story is interesting.
The way the matches are set up balances business interests with fair competition. A fight against Makhmudov, who just beat Dave Allen easily, could meet both of these requirements. For Joshua’s team, the best opponent is one that makes a pay-per-view event worth paying for and is tough enough to make critics who say he’s taking the easy way back quiet.
The Nigerian connection with fighters like Ajagba also adds cultural value that could make people around the world more interested.
Training Camp Adjustments for Specific Opponents
Joshua will need to train in a way that is specific to each opponent he faces in his comeback fight. His training camp changes will be very different depending on whether he fights someone with Ajagba’s power punches or Bakole’s strange style.
You would expect Joshua to focus on fighting inside and working on his body against fighters with longer reach, like Torrez Jr. Against veterans like Ortiz or Joyce, he would focus on keeping up the pace and saving energy. If Joshua fights Miller, the most drastic change would happen.
Joshua’s team would probably use specific defensive drills to prepare for pressure fighting.
These tactical changes aren’t just about winning; they’re also about getting Joshua ready for a title shot. During his comeback training camp, he has to work on specific technical issues for each opponent.
Promoter Negotiations and Venue Considerations
There is a complicated web of promoter negotiations and venue decisions that will decide who Anthony Joshua fights in his comeback fight. Eddie Hearn has talked to a number of promoters, and now he has a short list of possible opponents, each of whom will be hard to promote in their own way.
You’ll also see that venue considerations are very important. The O2 Arena is still the most popular place for UK fights, but Hearn’s confirmed boxing show in Ghana shows that Joshua may be interested in fighting in Africa in the future, especially since he has Nigerian roots.
The final choice will strike a balance between being commercially appealing and being a real sport. Joshua needs an opponent who is a real threat and will bring in a lot of viewers. These talks behind the scenes will affect not only this comeback fight but also Joshua’s possible path to the long-awaited Fury fight in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Joshua Consider Retirement if He Loses His Comeback Fight?
You’ll likely see Joshua consider retirement if his comeback fight ends in defeat, as another loss would greatly impact his standing in the division and diminish hopes for future title shots.
How Have Joshua’s Previous Injuries Affected His Fighting Style?
You’ve noticed Joshua becoming more cautious after his injuries. He’s modified his style to be less aggressive, prioritizing defensive movement and strategic engagement rather than relying on the explosive power that defined his early career.
What Nutritional Changes Has Joshua Made Since His Last Defeat?
You haven’t disclosed specific nutritional changes since Joshua’s Dubois defeat. He typically maintains a high-protein diet with clean foods, but any recent modifications to his nutrition plan haven’t been publicly detailed.
Has Joshua’s Mental Health Strategy Evolved During His Hiatus?
You’re seeing a more introspective Joshua during this hiatus. He’s embraced meditation, worked with mental performance coaches, and focused on rebuilding confidence after his defeat. He’s prioritizing mental resilience alongside physical preparation.
Which Sparring Partners Is Joshua Working With for His Return?
You’ll find Joshua working with a mix of upcoming talents and established fighters for his return, though specific names haven’t been officially disclosed in his current training camp preparation.