Anthony Joshua admits his career is coming to a close after revealing when he plans to bow out of boxing.
Joshua, who secured gold at the 2012 Olympics, is into his 11th year as a professional and appears on the cusp of another world title shot after four straight victories.
The two-time heavyweight world champion turns 35-years-old in October and feels he has two more years remaining.
“I’ve always said 35,” Joshua said on the Jonathan Ross Show.
“I’m 35 in October.
“I’m thinking another two years or so if my body holds out.
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“I’ve set up certain businesses that I can transition into naturally which don’t rely on me being at the forefront.”
The Watford man has been pictured back in training this week with coach Ben Davison after stopping Francis Ngannou in two rounds last month.
‘AJ’ is the number one contender with both the WBC and WBO and will be awaiting a shot at the winner of the undisputed heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18 in Saudi Arabia.
(Photo Credit: Mark Robinson, Matchroom)
Joshua suffered back-to-back defeats to Usyk, losing his belts to the Ukrainian, but is yet to face long-time rival Fury.
The pair have traded several verbal barbs over the years and ‘AJ’ insists he will use this rivalry as motivation when they eventually meet.
“100%. You take it personal and you meditate on it,” he added.
“You want to punish them for what they said about you.
“This is one of my rivals.
“This is someone I want to compete with one day so everything he says, I’ve got it all stored in the back of my memory and when the fight happens, I’m going to use it as a lot of fuel.”
‘AJ’ is also ranked at three with the IBF, with the belt expected to become vacant with Fury-Usyk locked into a two-fight deal.
Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic are likely to contest the title on the Matchroom vs Queensberry card on June 1 in Saudi Arabia and according to former world title challenger, Derek Chisora, Joshua will face the winner in September at Wembley Stadium.
Anthony Joshua staying ready in the gym with Ben Davison today… pic.twitter.com/bXPTf2vxxu
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 2, 2024
The 34-year-old’s promoter, Eddie Hearn told IFLTV this week that he anticipates his next bout will be for a world championship.
“I would say Anthony Joshua’s next fight will either be for the world heavyweight championship or for the undisputed world heavyweight championship,” Hearn said.
“The winner of Fury-Usyk has to fight Hrgovic no exceptions.
“So, we know if there are two fights, which we understand there is, then the IBF will become vacant.”
