Anthony Joshua looks set to take on long-term rival Tyson Fury later this year, but one Hall-of-Famer has advised the two-time heavyweight world champion to walk away from the fight and prioritise his health.
Joshua suffered a devastating defeat to Daniel Dubois when challenging for the IBF crown back in September 2024, but returned to action 15 months later in an unconventional clash with Jake Paul.
After being involved in a tragic car crash at the end of 2025, ‘AJ’ then made his ring return against lesser-known Albanian Kristian Prenga, who almost pulled off the upset of the year as he twice dropped the Briton in the opening round, bringing Joshua’s punch resistance into question.
To his credit, 36-year-old Joshua responded well in round two and scored an emphatic knockout to spare his blushes, but still the warning signs were there, with his apparent inability to hold a shot making him the underdog in the long-awaited showdown with Fury.
On X, former WBA featherweight world champion Barry McGuigan explained why he believes Joshua should retire from boxing without taking on ‘The Gypsy King’.
Absolutely, AJ’s bound to have amassed a staggering amount of money and he doesn’t need to be taking risks and jeopardising his health, especially as there’s no Title of significance available. https://t.co/RnyYoXmcOe
— Barry McGuigan (@ClonesCyclone) August 2, 2026
“Absolutely, AJ’s bound to have amassed a staggering amount of money and he doesn’t need to be taking risks and jeopardising his health, especially as there’s no title of significance available.”
Despite a number of fans and fighters being concerned for Joshua’s wellbeing, it seems as though he and Fury will go toe-to-toe this November, topping a blockbuster bill that will be broadcast live on Netflix.
