Anthony Joshua’s Boxing Future: Barry Hearn Predicts 2-3 Fights Before Retirement

Barry Hearn says Anthony Joshua could have 2 to 3 fights before retiring from the sport. The 12-year pro, Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs), is showing age at 35, and he’s made enough money that he doesn’t need to come out of retirement like some fighters do.

AJ’s Path to Retirement

“He’s not going to last forever. He’s 35 years old. He’s been a huge credit, and he’s actually reinvented boxing on his own,” said Barry Hearn to talkSport Boxing, giving his thoughts on Anthony Joshua. “We’ve had him for 12 years. I think he’ll have two or three more fights and then go off into the sunset. Eddie did the work. I knew he was going to be big.”

Hearn didn’t give any hints about who he believes Joshua will fight before retiring. We know that Jake Paul could be one of them, but other than him, it’s a mystery who AJ will fight. Eddie Hearn is still hoping that Tyson Fury will face him before he permanently retires. But with the Gypsy King’s massive $160 million fortune, he can afford to ignore Joshua if he doesn’t fancy taking the fight.

Joshua’s likely options before retirement

1. Tony Yoka
2. Jake Paul
3. Deontay Wilder

Matchroom’s Star’s Exit

“He hasn’t been a problem in 12 years. We’re looking forward to him finishing. AJ is part of our family,” said Barry.

Joshua made a lot of money for Matchroom after turning pro in 2013, but didn’t have to do much to bring in the revenue. That’s the surprising thing. He never fought Deontay Wilder, lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk, and was knocked out by Andy Ruiz.

AJ didn’t fight great opposition, apart from Usyk. Wladimir Klitschko was 40 when he fought Joshua in 2017, and nowhere near his vintage form in his 20s and early 30s. Ruiz Jr. was a career-long, underachieving fringe contender when he was selected as a replacement opponent in their first fight in 2019.

Joshua’s Best Career Opposition

– Wladimir Klitschko
– Oleksandr Usyk
– Andy Ruiz Jr.
– Alexander Povetkin
– Dillian Whyte
– Josh Parker: *In the early stages of his career