Anthony Joshua will look to get back into the win column in 2025 following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois.
Joshua may have to assess his options concerning opponents following the retirement of Tyson Fury. Although fans are questioning Fury’s retirement, ‘AJ’ may have to be open to facing other heavyweights if he wants to return to action.
Eddie Hearn has said that there is interest in making a rematch between Joshua and Dubois should ‘DDD’ be successful in his title defense on February 22nd. However, the champion may opt for a unification bout with Oleksandr Usyk instead.
There is not a lack of options for Joshua. One heavyweight contender has even been consistent in banging the drum calling for a bout with ‘AJ’.
Martin Bakole wants to fight Anthony Joshua in Africa
Heavyweight contender Martin Bakole is eager to continue his ascent up the division as he aims to take down one of the big names at the top.
Bakole called Joshua out at the start of 2025 and is reiterating his desire to face the former champion.
Speaking to TalkSport about a potential bout, Bakole has said that he feels like he is being “avoided” by the big names of the heavyweight division. He also discusses how Saudi Arabian advisor Turki Alalshikh is also supportive of the fight.
“They keep avoiding me and I’m so happy… I’d like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh because he said himself he wants to see this fight [with Anthony Joshua].”
“People keep avoiding me…But now we have someone [Alalshikh] who is giving the fans the good fights they want.”
Not only does Bakole eagerly want the Joshua bout, but also is adamant it should take place in Africa.
“If you see my video where I called Anthony Joshua out you will see that all the African people were calling for it to happen in Africa… Why not Africa? Everyone can’t wait to see me face Anthony Joshua, especially in my country.”
Joshua has not commented on whether or not he is interested in facing the Congolese powerhouse.
Turki Alalshikh expresses interest in Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder
Following the retirement of Fury, Alalshikh has publically stated his interest in making a fight between Joshua and Deontay Wilder to TalkSport.
Wilder is set to return to the ring in 2025 following his TKO loss to Zhilei Zhang. The ‘Bronze Bomber’ is 1-4 in his previous five bouts, however, a matchup with Joshua has been discussed consistently over recent years.
It is currently unclear as to whether Joshua’s next opponent will be Wilder, although there is clear interest in the fight.