Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is eagerly anticipating a matchup with his long-time rival Tyson Fury in 2025, aiming to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season.
During a visit to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, Joshua spoke with State House Correspondents about making the most of his remaining time in boxing.
“Time waits for no one,” Joshua said. “I want to put in the work. Reflecting on 2024, I believe there’s so much more I could have achieved, and I’m excited to embrace new opportunities in 2025.”
At 35 years old, Joshua, who faced setbacks in three of his last seven fights—including a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September—remains determined to reclaim his place at the top of heavyweight boxing.
“I’m committed to seizing every opportunity that comes my way and continuing my journey,” he stated. “Life comes with its highs and lows. It’s about learning to navigate those challenges and moving forward.”
When asked about a potential showdown with Fury, Joshua responded with optimism while acknowledging the uncertainties. “We’ll see—let’s step into the ring. The future is full of possibilities, and I’m open to what’s ahead,” he said.
Though 2024 brought its challenges, Joshua experienced significant moments, including his impressive second-round knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in March, which earned him the Knockout of the Year title from CBS Sports.
However, his fortunes shifted when Dubois, who claimed the IBF heavyweight title in June, managed to drop Joshua four times before securing a fifth-round knockout at Wembley Stadium in September.
As he heads into 2025, the British-Nigerian boxer finds himself at a pivotal point in his career. A potential clash with Fury remains one of the most highly anticipated bouts in British boxing history, especially as both fighters aim to reclaim their world titles following Fury’s losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, allowing Usyk to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.
