Former two division world champion Anthony Joshua is still very much interested in winning gold for a third time.
His first reign came to an end in 2019, when he was shockingly stopped in six rounds by Andy Ruiz. Six months later, Joshua reclaimed his belts with a dominant twelve round decision win in the contracted rematch.
The second title run ended in 2021, when he was outboxed by Oleksandr Usyk. In their 2022 rematch, Joshua was better prepared but still dropped a twelve round decision to the unbeaten Ukrainian.
Joshua bounced back in April with a decision win over Jermaine Franklin. He came back in August to secure another victory, as he knocked out late replacement Robert Helenius.
“People create this narrative and put pressure on me,” Joshua said during an interview with Louis Theroux, which aired on the BBC. “Gone are the days where it was for the fun. When you’re just doing it for the passion, you’re a prospect.
“This is all I know, this is what I dedicate my life to. Do I want to get myself to the championship? I would love to. Am I going to be smart in how I get there? Yes. Do I know more about boxing than I used to? 100 percent. Am I still trying to improve as a boxer? Yes…”
Tyson Fury holds the WBC world title. He’s expected to face Usyk in an undisputed title showdown in early 2024. There is a contracted rematch – but by then several of the belts will be vacant due to mandatory obligations – and that scenario will open up the door for Joshua to challenge for another world title.