Anthony Joshua, one of the most decorated heavyweights of the modern boxing era, finds himself at a crossroads in his storied career. Following a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Joshua now faces a fresh setback: an elbow injury that will require surgery, forcing him to delay his long-anticipated comeback.

The former Unified World Heavyweight Champion, who twice held the titles between 2016 and 2021, has experienced a series of highs and lows in recent years. While his resume remains impressive—32 fights, 28 wins, and 25 knockouts—questions now loom over the future of Anthony Joshua in boxing.

A Storied Career Built on Power and Dedication

Anthony Joshua’s boxing journey began in 2007 at the age of 18, after being introduced to the sport by a relative, allegedly his cousin. Unlike many of his peers, Joshua’s initial ambition wasn’t wealth or fame but rather winning medals and representing his country.

That drive led him to an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games, a moment that launched his transition from amateur stardom to professional success. On July 11, 2013, Joshua signed with Matchroom Sports, turning professional under the guidance of Eddie Hearn.

From there, his rise was meteoric. Joshua captured the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles in 2015, then went on to unify the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and IBO world heavyweight titles between 2016 and 2021. His combination of power, athleticism, and charisma made him a global star.

The Crushing Defeat Against Daniel Dubois

In what was billed as his shot at becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua faced Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024. The bout was high-stakes and high-drama, but ended in a crushing disappointment for Joshua.

Dubois dominated the fight, knocking Joshua out in the fifth round. The loss was a significant blow—not just to Joshua’s title hopes but also to his standing among the elite heavyweights of the division. The defeat marked the third failed attempt to reclaim world championship status after his losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022.

The performance led many to wonder if Joshua’s best days are behind him or if he can mount one final comeback.

Elbow Injury Adds to Uncertainty

Adding to the setback, Anthony Joshua has now revealed he is suffering from an elbow injury that will require surgery. According to Joshua and his team, the recovery period will likely keep him out of training for 6 to 8 weeks.

While this isn’t a career-ending injury, it adds another layer of complexity to Joshua’s comeback plans. The elbow issue has forced the postponement of a potential super-fight with Tyson Fury, a bout that fans have demanded for years.

“I’m going for surgery. I’ll be out of the gym for a bit,” Joshua told media. “But once I’m healed and back, I’ll be ready to get back to what I do best—fighting.”

The Fury Fight Takes a Step Back

The highly-anticipated Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury clash has long been a dream matchup for British boxing fans and the global combat sports community. Unfortunately, with Joshua’s elbow surgery, the bout will have to be postponed yet again.

Fury, who recently suffered a split-decision loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their undisputed heavyweight title bout, has expressed openness to facing Joshua, but timing and health have continued to be hurdles.

This injury setback now means that any possibility of a 2025 showdown is slim, at least until the final quarter of the year.

Anthony Joshua’s Current Record and Legacy

Despite recent losses, Anthony Joshua’s legacy in boxing remains intact. With 28 wins, 25 of them by knockout, and only 4 defeats, Joshua has proven himself to be among the most formidable heavyweights of his generation.

Notable victories include wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Dillian Whyte, and Alexander Povetkin. He’s made three successful title defenses and continues to hold a strong fan base thanks to his explosive style and humble demeanor.

Even with setbacks, Joshua remains one of boxing’s biggest box-office draws.

What’s Next for AJ?

With surgery on the horizon, the immediate goal for Anthony Joshua is recovery. After that, attention will shift to plotting his return carefully. Whether it’s a tune-up fight or jumping straight into another title eliminator will depend on his form and fitness after recovery.

Potential opponents include:

Zhilei Zhang – A surging contender with knockout power.

Deontay Wilder – A long-discussed and still-intriguing matchup.

Filip Hrgovic – The IBF mandatory who offers both risk and reward.

Tyson Fury – The ultimate redemption fight, if timing aligns.

Regardless of who he faces, Joshua’s future in boxing now hangs in the balance. At 35 years old, and with mounting injuries, the next fight may determine whether he can make one last run—or ride off into retirement with his head held high.

The Heavyweight Division Without Joshua

If Anthony Joshua were to retire, it would leave a noticeable void in the heavyweight division. While names like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois, and Jared Anderson are carving their paths, Joshua has been a central figure in keeping heavyweight boxing in the spotlight over the past decade.

His fights have routinely drawn stadium crowds, pay-per-view buys, and media attention that few others can match. His presence in boxing goes beyond titles—it’s about the energy he brings to the sport.

Without him, the division loses not just a contender, but a global ambassador for boxing.

Final Thoughts: Is This the End of the Road for Anthony Joshua?

Anthony Joshua’s elbow injury has come at a critical juncture in his career. After a tough loss to Daniel Dubois and with time ticking away, AJ now faces the most pivotal recovery period of his professional journey.

Though he’s made no statements about retirement, the uncertainty surrounding his physical condition and performance has fueled speculation. One thing remains certain: Joshua’s fighting spirit has never wavered.

“As much as I crave and yearn to continue boxing, my whole future is still uncertain,” Joshua admitted. “I only hope for relief and the chance to fight again.”

Fans across the globe are hoping for the same. Whether it’s one more title run or a farewell tour, Anthony Joshua’s story is far from over—and the next chapter might be his most inspiring yet.