Anthony Joshua has been out of the ring since his loss to Daniel Dubois in September of 2024. However, ‘AJ’ is seemingly set for a 2025 return.
Joshua suffered his fourth career loss when he faced fellow British heavyweight Dubois for the IBF World Heavyweight title in Wembley Stadium.
Following both Joshua and Tyson Fury’s loss to Oleksandr Usyk, it appeared as if the two fan favorites would finally meet one another. However, Fury’s retirement has meant that Joshua must look elsewhere for his next opponent.
Although Eddie Hearn has been clear on the focus of Joshua to reclaim the title, it appears as if the former champion may come up against a fellow contender in his next fight.
Ben Shalom says Anthony Joshua is signed to fight Martin Bakole
Boxing promoter Ben Shalom has claimed that Joshua is “signed” to fight Martin Bakole in a heavyweight clash in the Congo.
Bakole has called out Joshua numerous times and may be on the verge of now getting the fight.
As the Congolese heavyweight was asked about the Joshua fight, he said, “My fight against him in Africa will be a big one.”
“I think it will happen in the Congo,” said Bakole, before adding that he thinks the bout will take place in the summertime.
When Shalom was asked about what Bakole had to say, the boxing promoter said that a fight with Joshua was “done.”
“I’m hearing he’s [Joshua] signed and we’re off to the Congo.”
A fight between Bakole and Joshua is yet to be officially announced.
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Martin Bakole will face Efe Ajagba in USA in May
Despite seemingly being in negotiations to fight Joshua, Bakole is confirmed to be competing in May against a different fighter.
Bakole is set to take on Efe Ajagba in May as the IBF has ordered the pair to compete to determine the mandatory challenger for the belt currently held by Dubois.
The bout indicates that should Bakole successfully defeat Ajagba, he will take on the winner of Dubois vs Joseph Parker on February 22nd. However, the Congolese heavyweight is seemingly more interested in an African showdown with Joshua.
It is currently unclear as to when in 2025 Joshua is aiming to return, however, a fight with Bakole would mean it would be in the second half of the year.