Former Heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has been confirmed by Promoter Eddie Hearn to have entered the final year of his decorated boxing career, with plans to engage in three more fights before retiring from the sport. Joshua, who has been a dominant figure in the heavyweight division for over a decade, is now looking to cement his legacy with a series of high-profile bouts before hanging up his gloves for good.

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Hearn revealed that Joshua is carefully considering his final matchups, with potential high-profile fights against Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury, or Joseph Parker on the table. These fights would not only offer a fitting farewell to one of Britain’s greatest boxing icons but could also have significant implications for the current heavyweight landscape.

“This is the final year. Let’s not beat around the bush,” Hearn stated, making it clear that Joshua’s time in the ring is coming to an end.

“He’s going to have somewhere between – it could always be your last fight – but one and three fights, that’s the reality of the situation. We’re looking at all the possibilities to ensure he ends his career with a bang.”

Joshua Recovering from Injury

The two-time world heavyweight champion is currently recovering from a minor injury sustained after his fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September. This unexpected setback has delayed his return to the ring, but Joshua remains determined to make a strong comeback.

Hearn disclosed that Joshua is still not ready to resume full-intensity training but is taking the necessary steps to ensure a full recovery before stepping back into the ring.

“He had a niggle after the Dubois fight, he went back into camp, and he’s just not ready to start punching yet with the same ferocity that he needs to,” he explained. “We’re making sure everything is right before he returns, so he can give 100% in his final fights.”

Potential Rematch with Parker

Among the potential opponents, a rematch with Joseph Parker appears particularly intriguing. Joshua previously defeated Parker in 2018 via unanimous decision in Cardiff, but Parker has since undergone a resurgence in his career, making the rematch a highly anticipated bout.

Since their first encounter, Parker has rejuvenated his career with big victories over Martin Bakole, Zhilei Zhang, and Deontay Wilder. His recent form has positioned him as the WBO mandatory challenger for Oleksandr Usyk, adding even more intrigue to a potential rematch with Joshua.

Parker’s promoter, David Higgins, is open to the rematch, telling Sky Sports, “I think the whole world would like to see him rematch with AJ.”

“On current form, I think Joseph Parker puts AJ to sleep,” Higgins added, showing confidence in his fighter’s abilities and setting the stage for a dramatic showdown should the fight materialize.

Hearn’s Dream Fights for Joshua

Hearn highlighted two dream fights for Joshua: a rematch with Dubois or a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury. Both fights would be monumental for British boxing and could serve as Joshua’s farewell to the sport.

However, Fury’s current retirement status casts doubt on a potential fight. The WBC champion has previously hinted at walking away from boxing, which could complicate negotiations for a long-anticipated bout with Joshua. His promoter, Frank Warren, remained non-committal, stating:

“If he wanted to come back, that would be his choice. Me, I wouldn’t even discuss it with him.”

Joshua’s Legacy in British Boxing

Beyond his final fights, Hearn reflected on Joshua’s broader impact on British boxing, praising him for transforming the sport and making it more mainstream in the UK. Joshua’s rise to stardom not only inspired countless young athletes but also brought heavyweight boxing back to the forefront of sports entertainment.

“He’s changed the face of the sport in this country,” Hearn said. “He’s paved the way for stadium fights to become a norm and inspired a new generation of young boxers to walk through the doors of an amateur boxing club.”

Despite nearing the end of his career, Hearn insists that Joshua remains motivated and focused on achieving his final goals.

“He still loves the sport, he still thinks that physically he has a lot to give. This is the final roll of the dice and we’ve got to get it right. We want to make sure his last fights are against the best and that he leaves on a high note.”

Joshua is expected to return to the ring in late summer, with preparations already underway for his next fight. Whether it will be against Dubois, Parker, or another top contender, fans are eagerly anticipating what could be the final chapter of an extraordinary career.