Former unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, is continuing his comeback in an attempt to become just the fifth ever three-time title holder in the division’s history.

Even though the goal for ‘AJ’ is to get his belts back, he’s made it clear he wants to face the biggest names in the division before hanging up the gloves.

Joshua has been linked to a clash with Deontay Wilder for over half a decade, dating back to when a showdown between the two rivals would have been for the undisputed title.

Since then, both men have lost their belts and undefeated records. Still, they remain in talks for what would be one of boxing’s most highly anticipated matchups.

In an interview with Boxing Social, promoter Eddie Hearn maintained that Joshua-Wilder could still go ahead, but said the one man AJ wants to face more than anybody else is fellow Brit, Tyson Fury.

“We’re in talks about [Las] Vegas, we’re in talks about sites in the Middle East and I do think that we will see that fight. I think that AJ will fight in December or early January and then I think there’s no other fight, other than the Deontay Wilder fight.

That’s the one that we want, we’ve wanted it for a while now. We were ready to take that fight in January, we are happy to take that fight in March or April. I don’t see a reason to wait around.”

“AJ wants to fight Tyson Fury more than anything in the world and really, when I am mapping out his career, I see Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury as the final two for him to compete against. He wants that Fury fight desperately, he wants that fight bad.”

One way Joshua could get the opportunity to face Fury – who will soon fight to become undisputed – would be to first defeat Wilder.

Anthony Joshua told fans he wanted three fights in 2023, and he seems intent on delivering.

Under new coach, Derrick James, the Olympic Gold Medalist turned two-time heavyweight champion got back to winning ways this year.

Following his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk at the back end of 2022, he outpointed Jermaine Franklin and produced a much-needed knockout over Robert Helenius in the seventh round of their August bout.

All talk then focused on a fight against fellow former champ and knockout artist, Deontay Wilder. That’s been pushed back until at least Spring of 2024, so Joshua’s message to his team is clear – keep me busy.

As potential opponents are mentioned here and there by promoter Eddie Hearn, Joshua has taken himself to Texas to link back up with James, who also trains Errol Spence Jr, Frank Martin and Ryan Garcia.

He has been previously ticking over in the gym with Ben Davison, but this signals the start of fight camp. There were rumours that the move to the Brit’s gym could be permanent, but Joshua’s latest post put those to bed.

Hearn has mentioned a December date but said January is also an option. As is always the case on the heavyweight scene nowadays, his plans depend on another fight.

Should Tyson Fury come through Francis Ngannou unscathed this weekend, his already-signed undisputed bout with Usyk is being targeted for December 23.

Despite a short turnaround for a fight of such magnitude, the promotion insists the timeframe is realistic – and it would almost certainly mean ‘AJ’ not fighting that night.

If things play out that way, he could be looking at the first month of next year, and his opponent may depend on how the four-belt clash unfolds.

If a rematch is called – as per reports on the contract – at least one of the titles is expected to be stripped from the winner, meaning Joshua’s team could position him well to pick it up.

Anthony Joshua has always made it clear his goal is to become a three-time heavyweight world champion and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, believes he could achieve that in his next fight.

Joshua first lost his titles in a shock upset to Andy Ruiz Jr back in 2019, but regained them just six months later in the rematch. Oleksandr Usyk then dethroned ‘AJ’ from this WBA, IBF and WBO belts two years later and that time the Brit wasn’t able to get them back as the Ukrainian once again out pointed him in their second meeting.

Since then Joshua has linked up with new trainer Derrick James and has had two victories over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius as he looks to get back into world title contention.

Speaking to Boxing Social about who Joshua might fight next, Hearn said that a recent IBF ruling meant that Filip Hrgovic ‘was the fight’ that made the most sense.

“The news from the IBF changes things a little bit in respect of, basically, the winner of Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk has to fight Filip Hrgovic or they’ll be stripped and they’re not going to.

[Anthony Joshua vs Hrgovic] is the fight. I believe that fight will happen, potentially for the world title, so if it does we have to look at that. We’ve got the Wilder fight, so there is a lot to think about, but that news certainly changes things, the goal is for AJ to become a three time world champion and that would allow us to do that.

The Wilder fight is much bigger, but the Hrgovic fight comes with a world title which will always take priority, but we’ll have to see how it plays out.”

Joshua had been expected to face American, Deontay Wilder, but after an offer from Saudi Arabia’s Skills Challenge Promotions was withdrawn that now looks unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Hearn and his charge will have to overcome one obstacle in Otto Wallin, who recently became IBF number two, leap frogging Joshua with a win over Murat Gassiev.

There has been no official order for Hrgovic – co-promoted by Hearn – to fight the number two challenger, so a fight with Joshua could be potentially made without consideration of Wallin’s position

Formula 1 fans labelled the moment Martin Brundle was awkwardly ignored by Anthony Joshua on the United States Grand Prix grid “embarrassing”.

The former heavyweight boxing champion was one of several stars lined up to speak to Sky Sports prior to the start of the race. But when Brundle arrived at his side he was already in deep conversation with an astronaut.

And Joshua was clearly unwilling to cut that conversation short for Brundle. Nevertheless, the experienced broadcaster decided to wait awkwardly at the side of the two of them as they avoided eye contact with him, creating a lengthy period of almost dead air.

“I think he’s seen us,” Brundle said, as he waited patiently, before starting to get the hint and almost moving on. “If not, I think we’re going to chat with Rory McIlroy and can come back,” he added.

The toe-curling exchange prompted a huge reaction from fans on social media who found it difficult to watch. “God, Martin Brundle’s track walks can be embarrassing,” wrote one. Another added: “Move on Brundle. He doesn’t want to talk to you.”

A third pointed out: “Martin Brundle will say, ‘I don’t want to interrupt this conversation’ then will proceed to interrupt said conversation.” And a fourth concurred: “Brundle waiting for Anthony Joshua to finish his conversation is like me when I wait for my mum to stop talking to someone in the supermarket.”

But for some, the awkwardness was what made it such engaging television to watch. “If they ever get rid of the Martin Brundle grid walk I will riot,” declared a fan who clearly took some enjoyment from it.

Eventually, Joshua ended his conversation with the astronaut and turned to Brundle with a wide smile. And the topic of the Alpine F1 team came up, days after the news that the boxer was one of several high-profile sports stars to invest in the team.

“Sport is changing, we’re crossing over and I have a great team that I work with,” said AJ. “Obviously, F1 is massive but, hopefully, Alpine can have direct, committed supporters and fans like myself now, who will be here head-to-toe in Alpine gear.”

At that moment, Joshua pronounced the team name incorrectly, prompting him to correct himself with a laugh. He then continued: “What I’m here to do is raise awareness for the people who don’t know enough about Alpine.”

Anthony Joshua has taken some big licks in his professional boxing career, but one punch stands out to the former heavyweight champion.

From the beating he sustained at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr, the 24 rounds he shared with pound for pound great Oleksandr Usyk, the war he had against Wladimir Klitschko where he was hurt on numerous occasions and getting clipped by Russian dynamo Alexander Povetkin – ‘AJ’ had been on the receiving end of some heavy leather.

However, in a recent feature with Men’s Health when asked the most pain he ever felt in the ring, he revealed it was a punch he took in his amateur days which was one he will “never forget.”

“I remember a tough fight in 2011, the final of the World Championships against a fighter from Azerbaijan. He had knocked out everyone to get to the final, we had a real fucking tear-up, he was so strong.”

“I was inexperienced, making silly mistakes, and I walked on to one of his punches. Force meeting the force. Boom! I’ll never forget that punch. I lost by one point. So there was emotional pain and physical pain.”

The opponent Joshua is referring to was Azerbaijani amateur stalwart Mahammadrasul Majidov, who actually also turned professional with Eddie Hearn, though did not enjoy nearly the same level of success as the Brit.

If a fight between Joshua and Deontay Wilder ever does materialise, Majidov may be relegated to inflicting the second hardest punch ever landed on ‘AJ,’ so devastating is the power of Wilder.

However, despite assurances all year that the fight is “locked in,” talks appear to be at a complete standstill at the moment.

Anthony Joshua is currently spending four days completely alone with his thoughts in a darkness retreat.

The two-time former unified heavyweight world champion has been on his own in a pitch black room since Monday and will emerge on Friday evening.

The £2,000 self-reflection concept has seen AJ and a friend go into separate darkened rooms, abandoning all social interaction and connection to the outside world for four full days.

They have only been fed with food slid through the door on a tray, and received zero communication.

Joshua posted on social media on Monday evening: “Myself and [my friend] are about to embrace the darkness and solitude for four days (separate rooms)..

“Isolated with nothing to do except relax and clear the mind while being immersed in infinite darkness.”

He explained in an interview with Men’s Health prior to entering: “Life is all about experiences.

“I want to have more character and go through more experiences.

“I’m doing it for character.

“If I go for a walk in the woods, enjoy the scenery, the birds chirping, I’m going for peace.

“In this, though, it’s just me and my mind.”

Asked if he was worried about potential boredom, AJ replied: “No, because there is so much stored in the subconscious.

“What’s the worst that can happen? The worst is death so if it doesn’t do that, all good.

“I said to them I was a bit scared and he said that’s a good thing…

“By October 20, I will be one of the coolest people, coming out after sitting for four days in the dark.”

ANTHONY JOSHUA has reportedly flown back to Texas to start training for a December return fight.

AJ most recently knocked out Robert Helenius in August after seven rounds and looked on course to face Deontay Wilder next.

But after talks with Saudi Arabian backers broke down, promoter Eddie Hearn warned the blockbuster faces postponement.

And Hearn revealed AJ could instead be back in an interim bout in December after targeting March or April for a fight with Wilder.

Hearn’s Matchroom stable are eyeing a December 23 bill in Abu Dhabi for Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s grudge match.

So it could mean Joshua squeezes on the UNDERCARD which would be his first non main-event since 2015.

But after talks with Saudi Arabian backers broke down, promoter Eddie Hearn warned the blockbuster faces postponement.

And Hearn revealed AJ could instead be back in an interim bout in December after targeting March or April for a fight with Wilder.

Hearn’s Matchroom stable are eyeing a December 23 bill in Abu Dhabi for Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn’s grudge match.

So it could mean Joshua squeezes on the UNDERCARD which would be his first non main-event since 2015.

Tyson Fury, 35, and Oleksandr Usyk, 36, have signed for an undisputed title decider in Saudi Arabia.

So Hrgovic is in line to fight for the IBF “interim” belt which guarantees him a shot at the champion.

Or he will inherit the full title if the victor of the unification was to be stripped or vacated.

Hearn wants Joshua in a build-up fight before moving onto either Wilder or an IBF title shot.

He revealed:”I think realistically December/January will be the date for his next fight, and then he’ll fight Deontay Wilder or he’ll fight for the IBF world heavyweight title.

“He wants to become heavyweight champion, he wants to fight Deontay Wilder, he wants to fight Tyson Fury.

“But he also wants to stay active, and that’s what he’s asked me to do to try and get him in the ring as soon as possible.”

Anthony Joshua has only had two fights with latest trainer Derrick James but already one man thinks he might be ready to switch things up once more.

Since rather unceremoniously splitting from his long-time professional trainer Rob McCracken after their defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, Joshua has struggled to settle with a solid replacement. He toured the US to decide on his next move and eventually, he went with Robert Garcia for an unsuccessful rematch against the Ukrainian, but that only last one fight and Joshua moved on again.

He then settled with Texan James, who also trains the likes of Errol Spence and Jermell Charlo. So far they have had two fights together – one was what many saw to be a laboured points win over Jermaine Franklin, and the other was a mid-rounds knockout of Robert Helenius.

Speaking Boxing King Media, Dom Ingle from the legendary Sheffield gym that produced fighters like Prince Naseem Hamed and Kell Brook has said he can see Joshua moving on again. It comes after news has emerged that Joshua is ‘ticking over’ with ex-Tyson Fury trainer Ben Davison.

“Looking at that from my position and looking at Joshua going to James in the first place, all his fighters were doing really well.

All of a sudden you’ve got Spence and Charlo getting beat. So in people’s minds, there is something going on with the coaching there. Joshua has aligned himself with a successful camp and in the space of, what, two months, two of the top fighters have been beaten. Just reading into that don’t be surprised if Anthony Joshua’s next big announcement is he’s training with Ben Davison. Why not.”

He was then asked if that would be a good move should Joshua ever fight Fury.

“It doesn’t matter who trains him, Tyson Fury’s got more of a boxing brain than most trainers. He knows himself inside out. I don’t think there is anything Ben Davison could tell Joshua to beat Tyson Fury.

Anthony Joshua looks to continue progressing under new trainer, Derrick James, and deliver on a promise of three fights in 12 months.

The Brit lost his unified titles to Oleksandr Usyk and failed to right that wrong in a rematch, leaving him in comeback mode. Since then, he has wins over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius.

Fellow former champion, Deontay Wilder, was thought to be up next, but promoter Eddie Hearn has told Boxing Social that a more realistic scenario is another fight before that gets made.

It leaves ‘AJ’ searching the rankings for a suitable test, with fans not keen on seeing him against another Helenius-level fighter.

Heavyweight veteran and friend to Joshua, Derek Chisora, has made a controversial suggestion as to who should be standing in the opposite corner next time out.

He told Seconds Out that he would like to see a previously ill-fated bout with Jarrell Miller go ahead.

“Big Baby Miller. Jarrell Miller. If he’s not juicing. Finally. Something like that, yeah.”

Miller and Joshua were of course scheduled to face off back in 2019. The fight – which has benefitted from a bitter build-up – was to be the Brit’s coming out party on American soil.

Multiple banned substances in Miller’s system halted that, and late-replacement Andy Ruiz Jr would step in to shock the world and stop Joshua in the seventh round.

Miller – who has since served a ban following another round of failed tests – is now back fighting and has been calling for the ‘AJ’ fight to be rescheduled. His most recent outing was a stoppage win over Lucas Browne in Dubai.

Hearn said previously that he would not work with the American again given the circumstances, making him an unlikely suitor for Joshua’s next outing.