Anthony Joshua Eyes Longer Boxing Career After Retirement Rethink
Anthony Joshua is now looking to extend his boxing career by an additional three years, according to Matchroom chairman Barry Hearn. This marks a shift from earlier suggestions that 2026 could be his final season in the sport.
The change in outlook follows a difficult period in Joshua’s life. He was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that tragically took the lives of two close friends. Although Joshua suffered only minor injuries, he stepped away from the ring to mourn before returning to training.
Joshua is currently preparing to face Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. A day earlier, Tyson Fury is scheduled to meet Polish veteran Mariusz Wach in Thailand.
If both fighters emerge unscathed, discussions are already underway for a long‑awaited all‑British clash between Joshua and Fury in November.
Barry Hearn told Sky Sports that Joshua is in an “amazing place” and appears more motivated for the long term than ever before. Hearn noted that while the tragic accident has fuelled some of this drive, Joshua is now talking about the next three years in the ring.
He added, “Boxing is a funny sport. It takes one decent punch from a big lad to knock out anyone in the world,” reminding fans that despite the optimism, the risks remain ever present.
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