Anthony Joshua is targeting a fight with Tyson Fury as he begins to flesh out his plans for 2025.
The two Brits have circled each other for years but Fury’s decision defeat to unified heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, in their rematch last month means that a long overdue clash is the most high profile, most lucrative option available to both fighters.
Joshua, 28-4 (25 KOs), started 2024 with a bang, knocking out former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou, in two cold, clinical rounds.
Given the trouble Ngannou had given then WBC champion, Fury, when losing a split decision over ten rounds the previous October, the win sent Joshua into September’s IBF title fight with Daniel Dubois with real momentum.
His hopes of becoming a three time champion were destroyed by his fellow Londoner. In front of 96,000 fans, Dubois dominated a wild affair from the opening bell, dropping the former champion twice before bringing a brutal end to Joshua’s all or nothing fifth round surge with a devastating right hand.
Joshua’s future has been a topic of conversation ever since.
Would professional pride lead him to seek a return with Dubois? Would he wait to see how December's rematch between Usyk and Fury played out before committing to a decision? At 35, it would be understandable if Joshua decided to walk away from the sport.
Joshua is currently in Nigeria and told Nigerian television that he is as motivated as ever.
“It makes me more hungry. Makes me want to work harder because time is of of the essence. Time is limited so I just want to put in more work,” he said, confirming that he will continue fighting,” Joshua said during a visit to President Tinubu.
“2024, when I look back I believe I could have done more and I have another chance in 2025 to do more. I'm going to make sure that I take every opportunity that comes my way.”
When asked if there were things he could have done differently last year, Joshua seemed to solely reference his loss to Dubois.
“Of course, I should have won. I didn’t and I'm going to go again.
“Ups and downs, they happen. Some people are always up, my life is up and down so I’ve got to get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave. I can't stop. I’ve gotta keep going until I reach my destination.”
Joshua actually has a couple of things he wants to accomplish before walking away from the sport and that long awaited showdown with Fury is right at the top of his list.
“Three time world champion and Tyson Fury,” he said.
“We're not sure [when it would take place] but that's my target. 2025 I'm targeting Tyson Fury.”