Anthony Joshua’s next opponent is now unclear following the retirement of Tyson Fury.
Fury’s retirement was seen as a true spanner in the works in regards to Joshua’s 2025 return.
‘AJ’ has not fought since losing his heavyweight title opportunity to Daniel Dubois in 2024 and is aiming to bounce back in a big way. However, he is yet to be scheduled to fight.
Joshua has been in talks with Turki Alalshikh about his next fight, with names such as Deontay Wilder being speculated.
However, one heavyweight contender claims he has been told he will fight with Joshua in the near future.
Martin Bakole told that Anthony Joshua is his next opponent by Turki Alalshikh
Boxing’s most influential man has supposedly told heavyweight contender Martin Bakole that he will face Joshua as his next opponent.
With a record of 21-1, Bakole will take on Efe Ajagba in May in an IBF heavyweight title eliminator bout. However, should Bakole be the victor, Alalshikh has a pairing with Johsua in mind for the Congolese fighter.
Speaking to TalkSport, Bakole was asked about a potential match with the former heavyweight champion Joshua, and how his conversation with Alalshikh went.
“I love that fight, and I would like to say thank you to [His] Excellency because he’s behind this. He said ‘Martin we have a big fight in America, finish with [Efe] Ajagba and then Anthony Joshua is next in Africa.’
“Even I heard Anthony Joshua say he needs to fight in Africa, so all we need is a promoter or someone to promote that fight. Between me and him in Africa, that will be a good fight.”
Bakole previously called out Joshua for a showdown in Africa, however, it appears progress is being made for the potential bout.
- READ MORE: Eddie Hearn says he is not targeting Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder – names two alternative fights
Martin Bakole claims he scared Eddie Hearn when sparring Anthony Joshua
Recalling a sparring session that he had with Anthony Joshua to TalkSport, Bakole claims that he worried Eddie Hearn with his performance.
Speaking on the day that he and Joshua trained together, Bakole said, “I catch him with a beautiful left hand. I [shook] his head and legs and everyone in the gym is quiet.”
Bakole added that Joshua recovered from the shot and they continued to spar without further major incident.
Bakole feels that the promoter witnessing what he was able to do to Joshua is the reason he receives little mention from Hearn in terms of potential opponents for the former champion.
Hearn has been vocal in his plans for Joshua saying that he is eager to get his fighter back into title contention. However, Bakole has also been mentioned by Hearn as an option for ‘AJ’.