Eddie Hearn announces Anthony Joshua’s remaining fight count amid retirement rumors prior of his fight against Dubois. Joshua’s initial retirement date is almost approaching. Eddie Hearn, the promoter, has indicated that Anthony Joshua will not be hanging up his gloves anytime soon. Over the years, the Watford warrior, 34, has been public about his desire to no longer fight into his 30s.
Retirement seemed on the cards for Anthony Joshua after his back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GETTY
But AJ has breathed new life into his career with four wins on the bounce, including a brutal KO of Francis NgannouCredit: GETTY
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed AJ is targeting at least “five” more fightsCredit: GETTY
His initial retirement plans, however, were made before back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk derailed his bid for undisputed glory.
Four wins on the bounce, however, have breathed new life into AJ’s undisputed bid, which includes a domestic dust-up with Daniel Dubois for the IBF heavyweight title.
And according to Hearn, the former two-time unified champion has at least another “FIVE” fights in him before he brings the curtain down on his glittering career.
The Matchroom Boxing chief recently told talkSPORT: “Everything changes after every fight, but I think I’ve never seen him enjoy boxing so much.
“The preparation, the team. It’s simple but effective. I think he’s really found his rhythm with Ben [Davison] and the camp there.
“And I think if you look back after the Oleksandr Usyk fights you might have said, ‘How many more fights? Three? Five?’
“Well we’ve had four since then and now we’re saying five [more] still.
“It’s always fight by fight.”
Joshua had aspirations of calling time on his fighting days after his 35th birthday, which he celebrates next month, prior to his undisputed plans going up in smoke
During an appearance on the Jonathan Ross Show, he said: “I’ve always said [I’d retire at] 35.
“I’m 35 in October, I’m thinking another two years or so if my body holds out.
“I’ve set up certain businesses that I can transition into naturally which don’t rely on me being at the forefront.”
Joshua will bid to become a three-time heavyweight champion when he throws down with fellow Brit Dubois at Wembley on September 21.
But the prospect of winning yet another world title isn’t at the forefront of the London 2012 gold medallist’s mind.
When asked if he’s thought about the magnitude of a potential win over Dubois, AJ replied: “Inshallah [God willing].
“We’ll see, I don’t like to talk about what’s going to happen.
“Do you know what it is: I watch a lot of stuff, I watch a lot of boxing and I see people make bold predictions.
“And [they] say this and say that. And what matters is the result. Let me get the job done.”
Anthony Joshua will bid to end Daniel Dubois’ brief reign as IBF heavyweight championCredit: GETTY