After the latest bout against Jermaine Franklin, Anthony Joshua disclosed when he would return to the ring. Contrary to what Eddie Hearn asserted, ‘AJ’ will not fight in July but towards the very end of 2023. As per Hearn, the 33-year-old shall face Dillian Whyte for the second time in boxing. However, taking to Instagram, in one of his stories, the former unified heavyweight champion, disclosed he plans to fight again in December 2023.
The very declaration has sparked numerous questions regarding Joshua’s mindset and activities. While a fan branded him as an unserious athlete, others condemned ‘AJ’ for the lack of busyness in his routine. Here is what Joshua wrote and here is how boxing fans replied to him.
Boxing fans condemn Anthony Joshua as he plans to fight in December 2023
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In Eddie Hearn’s own words, the rematch with Dillian Whyte is the “frontrunner” for Joshua’s next appearance in the ring. According to Hearn’s statement in the Boxing with Chris Manning podcast, Joshua shall fight again in July with a fighter “of the same level” as or “a level slightly above Jermaine Franklin“. However, in a recent Instagram story, ‘AJ’ wrote, “My next fight is scheduled for December. Not ideal but everything is part of a bigger picture.” Undoubtedly, this announcement has disappointed the fans of boxing.
According to @AndrewMinett, ‘AJ’, who desires to fight Tyson Fury, has no interest in being active. “He’d gladly fight Franklin type once a year for next 5 years then retire,“ they added.
Why is anyone shocked. Have u not followed his career last 5 years. He's no interest in been active, he'd gladly fight franklin type once a year for next 5 years then retire.
— Andrew Minett (@AndrewMinett1) April 9, 2023
Meanwhile, @AlabamaaSlammer expressed disappointment exclaiming, “All that wait just to fight Dillian Whyte”.
All that wait just to fight Dillian Whyte 😭
— Wilder's Durag (@Alabamaaslammer) April 9, 2023
Likewise, @PeterFrostArt said, “Not a serious contender at all“.
Not a serious contender at all
— Pete Frost 🏴✍️🏻 (@PeteFrostArt) April 9, 2023
According to @CurtP_, this is “awful news“, especially regarding a brand that is in severe decline.
Awful news for a brand already in severe decline
— curtis_p (@CurtP_) April 9, 2023
Finally, @Lewissu123 roped in Oleksandr Usyk. As per him, both Joshua and Usyk fought only once a year for the past five years while hogging three of the four belts in their division in boxing.
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For the past 5 years, AJ and Usyk have only had 1 fight every year. What an absolute joke because they have been hogging 3 of the 4 belts in the division during that time and weren’t being forced to defend them!
— Lewis Su (@Lewissu123) April 9, 2023
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What is your reaction to Joshua’s latest declaration on his Instagram story? What do you have to say about his routine? If not Dillian Whyte, who do you think Joshua will fight next in boxing? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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