By Gabriel Princewill-
Matching Anthony Joshua(24-2)22 in a fight against either Deontey Wilder (42-2-2)41) or Joe Joyce(13-0) 12, will be a massive risk for the beaten former champion, but a resounding victory in either contest could restore his lost credibility.
Promoter Eddie Hearns says Joshua is ready for a tough test against either of the aforementioned heavyweights whilst he waits for an opportunity to regain his title from Olegsander Usyk(19-0)13 in an all-important rematch this year.
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Joshua (24-2, 22 KOs) is likely to be in need of an opponent for his next fight, given Olegsander Usyk’s commitment to the war in Ukraine, after he took up arms to defend his country in the unprovoked war in Russia.
Ever since Joshua’s humiliating defeat in the hands of talented Usyk, boxing fans have been united in the view that it is imperative that Joshua substantially changes his tactics to have a chance if avenging the loss against his conqueror.
Hearns readiness to match Joshua against big punching Wilder or relatively inexperienced Joe Joyce, who stopped highly touted Daniel Dubois is a brave move going forward.
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Heavy handed Wilder would be a massive risk for Joshua in what would be at best a 50-50 fight for the Londoner., but victory for Joshua would be a big boost for his morale ahead of his return against Usyk- if the Ukranian returns to the ring in one piece.
Heavy handed banger: Deontey Wilder is rated the biggest puncher in boxing history Image: Getty Images
Joshua reviving his rivalry with the big banging American will be very lucrative, and generate plenty of interest in the boxing world, even without a title on the line. The choice of the Alabama heavy hitter will seem an unwise choice at this stage of Joshua’s career if his last performance is anything to go by.
Joyce, who is unbeaten in 13 fights would be a much better option for Joshua tactically, and would present a measured risk for the former undisputed world heavyweight champion who has twice the experience of his fellow Londoner. Joyce, who will be no push over against Joshua could give the former celebrated world champion the much needed practise he needs to build his confidence for a masterful crack at the titles he has now lost twice in the ring. Joyce could also upset the show and be one step away from a world title shot himself in the event of getting the shot, and emerging victorious.
It remains to be seen whether Eddie Hearns talk of matching his man tough before meeting Usyk is genuine or mere rhetoric.
Should 35 year old Joyce get the nod to meet Joshua, it would be a big step for the unbeaten heavyweight who narrowly missed gold at the 2016 Rio olympics where he won a gold medal.
Unbeaten: Joe Joyce could get the nod to meet Joshua Image:PA
Frank Warren, who promotes Joe Joyce has expressed a willingness to put a fight between Joyce and Joshua in a heartbeat. It’s a massive one that would sell out Wembley Stadium for sure.
“I think the public would definitely buy into AJ-Joe Joyce,” Warren said to iFL TV on a fight between Joshua and Joe Joyce.
Boxing experts recommended Joshua finds a new trainer to replace Rob Mccraken following his lacklustre performance against Usyk that saw him lose his belts, but despite a number of trips to the U.S in search of an opponent, he is yet to announce a new trainer to add to his team.
Boxing fans will wait for an announcement confirming a meaningful opponent against Joshua to afford them ample time to book fight night. With no set date for the muscle man’s next fight, that announcement needs to come soon.
In the meantime, fans will look forward to seeing Tyson Fury defend his title against Dillian Whyte on April 25.
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