Renowned boxing analyst and trainer Teddy Atlas has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Anthony Joshua’s future in the sport, urging the British heavyweight to continue his career despite recent setbacks.
Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion, once held three of boxing’s four major belts, defeating some of the sport’s biggest names, including Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Kubrat Pulev, and Alexander Povetkin. However, his reign came to an abrupt halt when he lost his titles to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021. His attempt to reclaim them in a 2022 rematch ended in disappointment, raising questions about his long-term future in boxing.
Last year, Joshua faced another major setback when he was stopped in the fifth round by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois in a high-stakes bout. The loss led to widespread speculation that the 35-year-old might consider retiring from the sport. Many critics argued that his performances had declined, and his inability to reclaim a world title signaled the end of his dominance.
However, speaking on his podcast, Atlas dismissed the notion that Joshua should retire, stating that the former champion still has significant opportunities in the division. He pointed to potential fights against Martin Bakole, a rematch with Dubois, or even a second showdown with China’s Zhilei Zhang, whom Joshua previously defeated in the Olympics.
Joshua has expressed his desire to fight Tyson Fury, but with Fury announcing his retirement, that mega-British clash appears off the table for now. Meanwhile, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that Joshua has yet to finalize an opponent for his next bout, despite rumors of a showdown with either Deontay Wilder or Bakole.
Atlas remains optimistic about Joshua’s future, insisting that while his best years might be behind him, the former champion still has enough left to compete at the highest level.