“Joshua Has Not Got Much Time Left as a Fighter”: Eminent Boxing Journalist Reads a Postscript on Anthony Joshua’s Future

On April 1, the fight against the American Jermaine Franklin concluded unanimously. The bout saw most fans and followers exasperated instead of sighing in relief. Anthony Joshua was taken the distance by a relatively unknown boxer. Almost everyone expected an assertive and commanding return from him after the consecutive losses to the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk. But contentions about his future have started making inroads. One take, in particular, doesn’t seem very encouraging.

In 2011, eighty-eight-year-old Colin Hart became the first Briton to receive the BWAA (Boxing Writers Association of America) ‘s acclaimed Nat Fischer Award for “Excellence In Boxing Journalism.” Called the ‘Voice of Boxing,’ the celebrated journalist covered some of the most legendary fights in the sport’s history. For instance, the Muhammad Ali– Joe Frazier, ‘Fight of the Century.’ Pro Boxing Fans caught up with him early today.

Time’s running out for Anthony Joshua

What he shared might startle many boxing lovers. Initially, he spoke about Joe Joyce and Zhilei Zhang‘s rematch. Colin Hart then shared his views on the latest goings-on in the Heavyweight division. When the reporter asked, “Do you believe that Anthony Joshua does need to fight someone in between a possible fight with Deontay Wilder? Especially after his performance against Jermaine Franklin?”

The boxing columnist conceded it was an apparent problem holding Joshua, “Who do you put him in with? Can you take the risk of [of] putting him in too high?” As the variable stand, he doesn’t foresee much of a fighting career remaining in Joshua. Hence there hardly remains any doubt about exercising caution and being extremely selective on who goes against him. He said, “I know Eddie Hearn would disagree with me vehemently, but I don’t think Joshua has got more than one fight left in him.” 

Tough choices though

As the reports fill in, Anthony Joshua’s fight with Dillian Whyte in August seems to progress after the initial hiccups. A December fight against Deontay Wilder might also line up if the fortune smiles. A 2012 London Olympics gold medalist, he enjoyed an impressive run after turning pro. But Andy Ruiz Jr. threw a spanner in the works taking away his unified titles four years ago. Though the Briton returned the favor six months later, questions about his performance arose. Even a ninth-round knockout of Kubrat Pulev failed to erase the misgivings that turned stronger with the back-to-back drubbing from Usyk.

Read More: Anthony Joshua Reminds Everyone of His Boxing Prowess by Sharing Forgotten Message From Floyd Mayweather’s Late Uncle & Trainer Roger Mayweather

Do you agree with the distinguished writer? Please share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.

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