Anthony Joshua has admitted he is reaching the end of his career as he prepares to return to the ring in 2023.
'AJ' will seek redemption again after losing for the second consecutive time to Oleksandr Usyk in August. Joshua showed significant improvement in the sequel but fell to a split-decision defeat, and is now eyeing big fights next year in order to reignite his title charge.
There are several big fights on the table before Joshua brings down the curtain on his heavyweight stint, including against long-term rivals Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury. However in a concerning admission, Joshua has suggested he is now an old man and wants to make the final years of his career count in the best possible way.
He told GiveMeSport : “I’m baffled, I’m an old man, where’s the time gone? So I always look at it like I’m not at the start of my career and I’m not in the middle, I’m at the end. So that’s how quick time has gone, I’ve gotta really make sure now I put in the most work I’ve ever done and make these last years count.
"My greatest achievement hasn’t been reached yet. “It will be when I make it out the other side of the fight game. I personally always thought I would probably cry when boxing is done, because I put a lot into it inside and outside of the ring. Like you put a lot into your work, you wake up, you sacrifice, you’re tired sometimes; all that type of stuff, we all go through it.
"Sometimes you have your bad days but I’ve always tried to be strong, well I am strong. I think now it would be making it through healthy and being able to enjoy commercial stuff without pressures of having to train after, enjoying going back to your family, just chilling. So that will be my major achievement, I’m looking forward to that."
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Joshua could be set for several big tests next year including a rematch with Dillian Whyte and a potential mega-fight with Wilder. A win against both of them could set up a huge showdown with Fury, providing he still holds the WBC crown and beats Usyk to hold all of the belts.
And the Briton's promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed talks are already underway for AJ to finally touch gloves with the 'Bronze Bomber' at the back end of next year. He told IFL TV : "The communication lines are good between me and [Wilder's manager] Shelly Finkel.
"We've had a lot of talks, a lot of chats. Until the training team is confirmed for AJ. We won't make any opponent selections because we want the input from the trainer. So again, we've got three or four guys that we're talking to and ready to try and make a move for."
