Joshua Back in the Ring: Training Resumes Amidst Comeback Speculation
Anthony Joshua, the accomplished two-time world heavyweight champion, has officially returned to his rigorous training regime under the keen guidance of Iegor Golub. This move signals Joshua’s determined intent for a comeback fight later this year, following a period of introspection and recovery.
Anthony Joshua has resumed training under the watchful eye of Iegor Golub with a view to a comeback fight later this year.
The boxing world had been abuzz with speculation regarding Joshua’s future, particularly after he took a hiatus from the sport. This break was prompted by a deeply personal tragedy, as Joshua survived a devastating car crash in Nigeria last year, an incident that tragically claimed the lives of two of his closest friends. The emotional toll of such an event naturally led to a period of reflection before a return to the demanding professional boxing circuit.
Prior to his break, Joshua had been heavily linked with a monumental showdown against his long-time adversary, Tyson Fury. Fury, himself poised to emerge from retirement, is slated to face Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov next month at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. While this potential blockbuster bout captured the imagination of fans, Joshua’s immediate focus has shifted to his own resurgence.
Now, Joshua is back in the gym, honing his skills with Golub. This coaching partnership proved instrumental in the condensed build-up to Joshua’s recent bout against Jake Paul, where ‘AJ’ delivered a commanding performance, stopping the American in six rounds. Notably, during this training session, Golub’s compatriot, the formidable Oleksandr Usyk, was also present. Usyk, who has defeated Joshua twice on points in previous encounters, was observed offering Joshua technical advice. Usyk is also gearing up for his own significant fight against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven in May.
Joshua could be seen harnessing his craft with some technical work under Golub’s guidance, with the Ukrainian trainer sharing pictures and a caption: “Back to training.”
Visuals from the training session showcased Joshua deeply immersed in his craft. Under Golub’s expert direction, he engaged in intensive technical work, including powerful sessions on the heavy bag and focused rope skipping to enhance his conditioning. The presence and input of Usyk, a fellow elite heavyweight, further underscored the seriousness of Joshua’s preparations, with Usyk seen providing nuanced guidance on kettlebell exercises, demonstrating a collaborative spirit within the boxing fraternity.
The landscape of potential opponents for Joshua’s return is a subject of much discussion. Several intriguing options are reportedly being considered. One name that has emerged as a sensible and compelling possibility is that of his fellow British heavyweight, Dillian Whyte. Whyte is also in the process of rebuilding his career following his own recent challenges, making a clash between the two seasoned rivals a potentially significant draw.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been actively fuelling anticipation for his fighter’s comeback. He recently revealed that Joshua had turned down a lucrative offer from a rival promoter, a move that speaks volumes about Joshua’s loyalty and his team’s strategic direction.
Hearn took to Instagram to share a nostalgic photograph of himself accompanying Joshua during a past ring walk, accompanied by the cryptic but exciting caption: “loading.” This update arrived just a day after Hearn publicly disclosed Joshua’s rejection of the rival promoter’s advances on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” This development comes in the wake of Conor Benn’s departure from Hearn’s promotional company, Matchroom, adding another layer of intrigue to the promotional landscape.
“He won’t mind me saying it, but AJ had an approach around the back, a couple of weeks ago,” Hearn shared with Ariel Helwani. “Do you know how quickly he sent me the message, the screenshot? Seconds. ‘Let me know what you wanna reply.’”
Hearn emphasised the strong bond and unified front within Joshua’s team: “And it’s like, we’re a team. ‘Til the wheels come off, we are a team, and I’ve got your back always. And that’s just how it is.” This statement highlights the unwavering support and solidarity that Joshua can count on as he embarks on the next chapter of his illustrious boxing career. The boxing world eagerly awaits further announcements regarding Joshua’s next ring appearance.
