Mike Tyson Has Already Shared His Views on Anthony Joshua’s Next Fight as Retirement Talks Continue

Mike Tyson Has Already Shared His Views on Anthony Joshua’s Next Fight as Retirement Talks Continue

 

 

 

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has shared his thoughts on Anthony Joshua’s next move in the ring, as debates over the British fighter’s future continue to swirl. Joshua, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, has been at the center of speculation regarding whether he should continue his career or consider retirement, following a string of mixed results. With pressure mounting from both fans and pundits, Tyson’s perspective brings a unique take from one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Joshua’s Recent Struggles

Anthony Joshua, once considered the future of heavyweight boxing, has faced a challenging few years. After losing his titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and failing to reclaim them in the rematch, Joshua’s once untouchable image has taken a hit. The two consecutive losses to Usyk, coupled with a previous shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, have left many questioning whether Joshua can still compete at the highest level or if it’s time for him to step away from the sport.

Though Joshua bounced back with a win against Jermaine Franklin in April 2023, the performance wasn’t as dominant as many had hoped. It was a clear victory, but lacked the explosiveness and knockout power that had once defined Joshua’s style. Since then, rumors have circulated about what’s next for the British boxer, with some suggesting he should face top contenders such as Deontay Wilder or Tyson Fury, while others believe it may be best for him to hang up the gloves.

Mike Tyson’s Perspective

Mike Tyson, who knows all too well the ups and downs of a boxing career, has been vocal about his thoughts on Joshua’s situation. Despite the growing calls for Joshua to retire, Tyson believes that the 33-year-old fighter still has plenty left to offer and that his best days might not be behind him just yet.

Speaking on a podcast earlier this year, Tyson was asked about Joshua’s future, and he quickly dismissed the idea that Joshua should retire now. “He’s still young, he’s still strong, and he still has a lot to prove,” Tyson said. “Boxing is a tough game, but Joshua can come back. I don’t think it’s time for him to walk away.”

Tyson’s confidence in Joshua’s abilities comes from his understanding of the mental and physical demands of boxing. Having been in similar positions himself, Tyson experienced both the highs of becoming the youngest heavyweight champion in history and the lows of suffering major defeats. He knows that in boxing, comebacks are always possible, especially for someone as talented as Joshua.

What’s Next for Joshua?

With Tyson’s endorsement of Joshua continuing his career, the focus now shifts to who might be next for the British star in the ring. Several potential matchups have been floated in recent months, with the most exciting being a potential fight against Deontay Wilder. Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, would provide a dangerous but thrilling challenge for Joshua.

There has also been speculation about a blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury, which would likely be one of the biggest heavyweight bouts in recent history. However, negotiations for a Joshua-Fury showdown have fallen through multiple times in the past, leaving fans skeptical about whether the fight will ever materialize.

Another option could be for Joshua to take on a slightly less formidable opponent to continue rebuilding his confidence. His win against Franklin, while not overly impressive, showed that Joshua still has the tools to compete. A few more confidence-building fights could help him regain his former form before stepping back into the ring with the division’s elite.

The Retirement Debate

While Mike Tyson may believe Joshua’s career is far from over, others in the boxing community aren’t so sure. Prominent figures in the sport have openly questioned whether Joshua still has the hunger and drive to succeed at the highest level. Former heavyweight champions like Lennox Lewis have weighed in, with Lewis suggesting that Joshua might benefit from stepping away from the sport to reevaluate his goals.

Joshua himself has acknowledged the pressure he’s under but has remained largely noncommittal about retirement. In several interviews, he has expressed his desire to continue fighting, but he has also admitted that the constant scrutiny and criticism have taken a toll on him mentally.

One of the main arguments for Joshua’s retirement revolves around his legacy. With two world title reigns under his belt and several marquee wins, Joshua has already cemented his place in boxing history. Some believe that by walking away now, he could preserve his reputation and avoid further damage to his career from potential losses.

A Future Undecided

For now, Anthony Joshua’s future in boxing remains uncertain. With Mike Tyson offering his support and belief in Joshua’s ability to come back stronger, there’s no shortage of voices urging the British star to keep fighting. However, the final decision will ultimately rest with Joshua himself.

As fans and experts alike await news of Joshua’s next fight, one thing is clear: whether he decides to continue or retire, Anthony Joshua’s impact on the world of boxing will be remembered for years to come. His journey from Olympic gold medalist to world heavyweight champion has been filled with triumphs and setbacks, but his determination and grit have made him one of the sport’s most compelling figures.