Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has candidly shared his realization that becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion might not happen within the timeline he originally envisioned, stating it’s “not in my time frame.”
Anthony Joshua candidly acknowledges that becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion may take five to six years, adjusting his timeline
Despite recent victories and ambitions, Joshua recognizes the slim likelihood of regaining undisputed heavyweight champion status in the near future
As the 34-year-old gears up for a significant match against Otto Wallin on December 23, featuring Deontay Wilder vs. Joseph Parker, Joshua reflects on his recent victories over Robert Helenius and Jermaine Franklin Jr. He also expresses a desire to face Francis Ngannou, or potentially Wilder, in 2024.
The upcoming match featuring Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker on the same card as Joshua’s bout against Otto Wallin further intensifies the spotlight on the heavyweight division. Joshua’s potential future clash with Wilder adds an extra layer of anticipation to an already stacked lineup of matches, setting the stage for what could be a defining moment in the trajectory of his career.
Despite these ambitions, Joshua acknowledges the slim likelihood of regaining the undisputed heavyweight champion title, particularly after losing his WBO, WBA, IBO, and IBF titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2020. He suggests that the journey to reclaim those belts may extend over the next six years.
In an interview with TNT Sports, when asked if he still envisions battling for the undisputed title, Joshua responds, “I used to, but it won’t happen anymore. I feel it will probably take me about five to six years to go through and get all the belts and beat all the independent champions, and that will probably take me until I’m 40 or 41 before I do that again. So I’m just like, it’s probably not in my time frame.”
After consecutive losses to Usyk in August, Joshua, in a post-fight press conference, expressed deep dissatisfaction with his performance, stating, “It’s really, extremely hard for me to say I’m proud of myself. I just feel angry; I don’t feel anything. Deep down in my heart.”
Anthony Joshua braces himself for the upcoming clash against Otto Wallin and envisions potential matchups against the likes of Ngannou and Wilder in 2024. His candid admission about the extended timeline for undisputed glory adds depth to his narrative. It’s a story of resilience, evolving aspirations, and the unrelenting pursuit of a goal that might take longer than anticipated. The boxing world watches with bated breath as Joshua navigates the unpredictable path that lies ahead, reminding us all that in the world of heavyweight boxing, timing is as crucial as the punches thrown in the ring.
