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Anthony Joshua gives brutal response to offer from undefeated 41-year-old boxing legend for comeback fight

Anthony Joshua channeled his inner Canelo Alvarez when responding to Andre Ward’s offer for a potential fight.

Joshua is gearing up for his return to the ring, having been inactive since he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September last year.

While he is believed to be making a return in late 2025, or at the beginning of 2026, Joshua’s opponent is yet to be officially announced.

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua’s next fight could land in

One man that is vying for the spot in the opposite corner is, former professional boxer, Andre Ward.

Ward was a hugely respected pound-for-pound fighter in his heyday, although he has been retired since 2017.

The American left the ring with an unbeaten professional record of 32-0, but is now suggesting he’d make a return if Joshua accepts his offer to fight.

Ward took to Instagram when he suggested in a video: “There’s one name that I brought up before that when you say that name I can see myself fighting him. Present day. Today.

“If the business was right and everything was right on that front, me and Anthony Joshua.

“That’s a fight that I would take at Wembley Stadium. It’s a dangerous fight for my legacy, it’s a dangerous fight across the board. But that’s a fight that would get me in the gym and get me in the mindset that I need to be in to go to war.

“It’s Anthony Joshua. I know he’s getting ready to fight Jake Paul, I ain’t talking about that. I’m talking about a real fight.”

Joshua quickly hit back suggesting that this is purely a financial move from Ward.

He savagely said: “Pay Day Pay Day [Canelo voice].”

Which then sparked a back-and-forth between the pair in the comment section of Ward’s post.

The 41-year-old hit back, saying: “Of course brother, do you fight for free? Business is always a reason, but not the only reason. I think you understand that.”

To which Joshua replied: “Don’t come asking for multi millions to fight me. Put your pride before your ego and let’s rumble.”

That was where their public interactions came to a close, although Joshua continued to respond to fans remarks in the same comment section.

Who will Anthony Joshua be fighting next?

Ward seemed serious in getting a chance to fight Joshua, but as it stands the Briton is heavily linked to a fight with another American instead.

The next time we see Joshua in the ring, it’s heavily speculated that he will be facing off against Jake Paul.

Paul recently met with Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh to discuss the terms.

Having already verbally agreed to fight it seems to be a matter of when, not if, we see them share the ring.

The pair are even understood to be in advanced talks.

Joshua’s long-term promoter and Matchroom Boxing chairman, Eddie Hearn, issued Paul a warning should their bout go ahead.

It seemed to be a humorous idea at one stage, but now as the conversations are progressing we may seriously see a match up between Joshua and the Youtuber-turned-boxer after all.

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Anthony Joshua’s next fight could land in

However, Yoka insists the Brit’s team are scouting locations for a showdown with him in Africa.

Anthony Joshua’s next fight could land in Africa in December against Olympic gold medallist

Tony Yoka believes a fight with Anthony Joshua could take place in Ghana in December.

The Frenchman has been linked as a possible opponent for AJ in recent weeks as speculation ramps up over the Watford powerhouse’s next steps.

Joshua hasn’t boxed since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September, but is expected to return to the ring at the back end of this year.

READ: Joshua Accused of ‘Selling His Soul’ Amid

Reports persist that Joshua could meet YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a crossover clash in the coming months.

“His team has just left for Ghana to see what the sports facilities are like,” Yoka told L’Equipe.

“There is a possibility that the fight will take place in Africa.

“A lot of people are talking about it, and it could revive boxing in France.

“If it comes to fruition, it will indeed generate enormous interest.”

Despite Yoka’s confidence that the fight will happen, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insists that Paul remains the ‘frontrunner’ to box his client next.

Last week, he even went as far as to suggest that there have been no talks with Yoka’s team.

Yet the Parisians’ co-promoter Yohan Zaoui claims AJ told him that he was ’90 per cent sure’ he would be facing Yoka next when they bumped into each other in Southern Cyprus.

“Who do I run into this morning at the pool? Joshua!” Zaoui told L’Equipe.

“He’s also on vacation with his family, with his younger brother and his nieces and nephews. I chatted with him for a few minutes. He’s humble and kind…

“He told me that his next opponent would certainly be French.

“He told me that he had the option of facing the American YouTuber Jake Paul, but that 90 per cent of the time it would be Yoka.

“I asked him his prediction. He told me that there was no easy fight.”

Yoka succeeded Joshua as the Olympic super heavyweight gold medallist at Rio 2016, but has struggled to adjust to life in the professional ranks.

After a perfect 11-0 start, he suffered a three-fight skid to Martin Bakole, Carlos Takam, and Ryad Merhy before subsequently linking up with new trainer Don Charles in an attempt to revive his career.

Charles famously masterminded Dubois’ victory over Joshua last year and has guided Yoka to three wins in 12 months.

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Former World Champion Delivers Verdict on Possible Showdown

Former World Champion Delivers Verdict on Possible Showdown Between Anthony Joshua and ‘Mastermind’ Jake Paul

‘The Problem Child’ has been taking boxing media by storm with claims that he will fight former unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in 2026.

While it may still be seen as an unlikely scenario, Eddie Hearn has confirmed talks of the ‘mismatch’, and in a recent interview, has said the American is now the likely ‘front-runner’ for the heavyweight’s next fight.

Joshua’s trainer believes the clash is ‘dangerous’ for the 28-year-old novice, but it hasn’t stopped Paul’s team at Most Valuable Promotions from meeting with Matchroom to try and work out a deal for what could be a massive showdown in monetary terms

The fight has been compared to the 2017 fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor for the amount of money on offer, plus the likely spectacle of the show.

However, the ex-YouTube star does not have the same fighting pedigree as the former UFC champion.

While it may seem an extraordinary conversation to be happening, former world cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson can’t help but praise ‘El Gallo’ for staying in the limelight.

RELATED NEWS : Gervonta Davis Names The Only Fighter Whose Power

“So, if by some miracle it does happen, that tells me AJ is cashing… With something big like we’re talking 250 million, I’d do it if I were AJ at this stage of his career and getting paid that kind of dough,” Nelson said.

“Jake Paul has played a blinder. It’s not going to happen. And if it does, then you know, AJ is basically saying, ‘Thank you, (I’m) gone’.”

‘The Entertainer’ may be right that the bout won’t take place, but if it does, UK fans won’t be able to experience it live in the country.

Even though ‘El Gallo’ had mentioned on the Usyk vs Dubois rematch broadcast that he would like it to take place in Wembley Stadium, the British Boxing Board of Control would likely not sanction the bout.

According to Sky Sports, there is ‘no guarantee’ the BBBofC will give Paul a professional license due to a lack of in-ring experience against a dangerous heavyweight.

After meetings in New York at the weekend, no further news on the bout has come out from either camp, but with fight week in Riyadh, expect Hearn to provide more update

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Hall of famer Andre Ward Has Revealed That One Fight That

Hall of famer Andre Ward Has Revealed That One Fight That Could Tempt Him Back Into The Ring, Me And Anthony Joshua

Boxing Hall of Famer Andre Ward has sent shockwaves through the combat sports world by revealing the one fight that could lure him out of retirement — a blockbuster showdown with former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium.

Ward, 41, retired undefeated in 2017 with a record of 32–0, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s most technically gifted fighters. Known for his defensive mastery, ring intelligence, and adaptability, the former super middleweight and light heavyweight champion has consistently resisted calls for a comeback — until now.

In a recent interview, Ward admitted that while most fights don’t interest him, the idea of facing Joshua in front of a roaring U.K. crowd would be enough to reignite his competitive fire.

“Me and Anthony Joshua“

“Me and Anthony Joshua — that is a fight I would take at Wembley Stadium,” Ward said. “If I’m ever coming back, it would have to be for something truly special, and that’s one of the few that fits the bill.”

Davis’s Legal Troubles Cast Shadow Over A Recent

Davis’s Legal Troubles Cast Shadow Over A Recent Battery Arrest On June 15—have stirred further uncertainty about the bout’s future

The future of the long-awaited rematch between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. has been thrown into deeper uncertainty following Davis’s recent run-in with the law.

On June 15, the undefeated lightweight star was arrested on battery charges, marking the latest in a string of off-ring legal issues. The arrest has reignited concerns over whether the fight—once scheduled for this summer—will move forward at all.

Davis, a three-division world champion known for his devastating knockout power, was already facing scrutiny after the controversial outcome of his March 1, 2025, bout with Roach, which ended in a majority draw. The contentious decision, fueled by debate over a ninth-round knockdown, led to intense calls for an immediate rematch. That bout was initially set for August, but scheduling hurdles and now Davis’s legal troubles have left the fight in limbo.

The Highly Anticipated Rematch Between Davis vs. Roach

The Highly Anticipated Rematch Between Davis vs. Roach Plunged Into Uncertainty as August Date Falls Through

The highly anticipated rematch between Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Lamont Roach Jr. is now shrouded in uncertainty, with no official date in sight.

Once touted as one of the biggest fights of the summer, the bout was initially penciled in for August after a heated first encounter on March 1, 2025, ended in a controversial majority draw. The result—fueled by debate over a ninth-round knockdown that many believe should have been scored for Roach—set the stage for what was expected to be a blockbuster return clash.

But those plans have since unraveled. The August target date has been scrapped, and according to insiders, neither Premier Boxing Champions nor the fighters’ camps have confirmed a new timeline for the fight. Lamont Roach Sr., who also serves as his son’s trainer, recently acknowledged that no concrete arrangements are in place.

Oleksandr Usyk gives verdict on Moses Itauma as Turki Alalshikh

Oleksandr Usyk gives verdict on Moses Itauma as Turki Alalshikh pitches massive showdown

Literally everybody is raving about British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma – even the best fighter on the planet right now.

Oleksandr Usyk is not only the undisputed world heavyweight champion right for the second time in just over a year, he is also the consensus P4P top fighter in the world in any division.

JUST IN: VIDEOS: Terence Crawford’s smashed greatest rival to achieve his

The 38-year-old has clearly been watching the rise of the 20-year-old Itauma as the phenom from Chatham in Kent continues to build towards the top level.

READ MORE: Moses Itauma SCHOOLS critics with genius response over ‘chin check’

‘Enriko’, as he is known, has built a 12-0 professional record with 10 of those wins coming inside the first two rounds. One devastating highlight reel finish after another.

Itauma is already ranked number 1 by the WBO (World Boxing Organization) and a world title shot appears to be on the cards sooner rather than later. When Usyk flattened Daniel Dubois last month to become undisputed, Saudi power broker Turki Alalshikh was quick to suggest that a showdown with Itauma is THE FIGHT that boxing wants and needs.

Itauma himself has been quick to suggest that his skillset is on a par with Usyk or better, but admits he needs more rounds and experience to get that championship level of endurance and mindset.

Usyk on Moses Itauma

As for Usyk, he is clearly very very impressed by the young prodigy, who mixes devastating speed and power with a remarkable ring IQ for one so young.

He told talkSPORT: “Moses Itauma. I think he is a great fighter. Young, 20 years, yes? I think Itauma has a big future.”

It remains to be seen whether that future includes a blockbusting showdown vs Usyk, but before that Moses will take a big step up in class when he meets former world title challenger Dillian Whyte in a crossroads matchup in Riyadh next Saturday night (August 16).

Itauma will start a hot favourite against a man who just three years ago was challenging Tyson Fury for the WBC heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium. Now at the age of 37, and relatively inactive since that night, there are question marks about what Whyte has left.

We will find out the answer to that question in a few days, but many expect him to give Itauma his biggest test yet.

BOXING

VIDEOS: Terence Crawford’s smashed greatest rival to achieve his

Terence Crawford’s smashed greatest rival to achieve historic feat since replicated by two legendary fighters

On September 13, two of the very best of their era will meet for the first time.

While Terence Crawford has admitted that both he and Canelo Alvarez need to step it up ahead of their clash next month, the fight is still absolutely massive.

Unlike his opponent, ‘Bud’ brings an undefeated record to the ring, with 41 wins (31 via knockout) since making his pro debut in 2008.

JUST IN: Gervonta Davis Names The Only Fighter Whose Power

Crawford may have earned just $125,000 for his first major win, but he’s come a long way since initially putting himself on the map by beating Breidis Prescott.

In a fight where some expected that he would finally meet his equal, the Nebraska native proved a lot of people wrong by putting on a historic masterclass.

Terence Crawford became the first two-weight undisputed champion when he outclassed Errol Spence Jr.

For many years, one of the fights that was right at the top of a lot of fans’ wish list was Terence Crawford taking on Errol Spence Jr.

With the fight seemingly being spoken about and negotiated for long periods of time without coming to fruition, it looked like this huge clash may end up going down as a huge bout that got away due to boxing politics.

Eventually, they met inside the ring on July 29 of 2023, where despite his opponent’s long periods of inactivity in recent times due to several health issues, no one could have expected what Crawford would go on to do.

‘Bud’ produced what many believe is the best performance of his career by outclassing Spence Jr. before he stopped him in the ninth round.

Having won the WBA, WBC, IBF and the vacant The Ring belt in the process, adding to his WBO title, Crawford made history with this victory as the first fighter in the ‘four belt era’ to become undisputed in two weight classes.

After he accomplished this feat at both light welterweight and welterweight, two other fighters who are right at the top of the pound-for-pound list with Crawford have gone on to do the same.

Naoya Inoue achieved this at bantamweight and super bantamweight with just one year separating the two accomplishments.

Oleksandr Usyk also wrote his name into the history books when he replicated his incredible run at cruiserweight by beating Tyson Fury for the first time in May of 2024 to claim the WBC heavyweight title.

Terence Crawford admitted feeling relieved after putting his rivalry with Errol Spence Jr. to bed

Terence Crawford has never been the most animated fighter when it comes to reading his emotions before, after, or during a fight.

In an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, he spoke about how some people claimed that he didn’t look happy after beating Errol Spence Jr.

He responded to this by claiming that after chasing the fight for such a long time, he was both happy and relieved to have finally moved past this chapter.

“When you go in the back room, everybody wants to see excitement. I was just like, ‘Ah, I got that off my back.’ It was a sign of relief.”

Even if he emerges victorious in another legacy-defining fight on September 13, fans can expect to see the same calm and collected Crawford that they’re used to.

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Gervonta Davis Names The Only Fighter Whose Power

Gervonta Davis Names The Only Fighter Whose Power Had Him In Trouble

Gervonta Davis has revealed the only fighter to have ever caused him some trouble in the ring.

The unbeaten 30-year-old from Baltimore, Maryland currently reigns as the WBA lightweight champion, a title he has held since he defeated Yuriorkis Gamboa back in December of 2019.

Aside from reigning as a world champion at 135lbs, ‘Tank’ has also captured world titles at super-featherweight and super-lightweight, defeating the likes of Leo Santa Cruz, Isaac Cruz and Ryan Garcia along the way.

JUST IN: Joshua Accused of ‘Selling His Soul’ Amid

He came very close to being handed the first defeat of his career back in March when he fought to a majority decision draw against fellow countryman Lamont Roach, although many fans and analysts believed the challenger had done more than enough to get his hand raised.

Speaking to the media just before his controversial showdown with Roach, Davis paid homage to the punching power of former rival Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, as he claims the 29-year-old has ‘bricks in his hands’.

“I ain’t gonna lie, Rolly hit hard, people are sleeping on Rolly. He hasn’t got a chin so Rolly gets caught but he can hit. He’s the only person I have felt, when he swung it felt like there were bricks in his hands.”

Davis handed ‘Rolly’ the first defeat of his career when they clashed back in May of 2022, stopping his rival in the sixth round of their bout at the Barclays Center in New York City.

Since facing Davis, Romero has made the move up to welterweight where he picked up the best win of his career earlier this year, defeating Ryan Garcia to capture the regular version of the WBA world welterweight title on May 2.

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Joshua Accused of ‘Selling His Soul’ Amid

Joshua Accused of ‘Selling His Soul’ Amid Jake Paul Fight Talks

Anthony Joshua has been accused of ‘selling his soul’ as talk over a potential fight with Jake Paul heats up.

Joshua is looking for his next opponent after having been knocked out by Daniel Dubois in his last fight. Prior to the fight, Joshua expressed his desire to become a three-weight world champion as the IBF belt was up for grabs. Joshua has undergone elbow surgery after picking up an injury following the Dubois fight, as the attention turns to his next fight. Joshua had been vocal about his desire to fight Tyson Fury, but the latter’s retirement means that is now off the table.

Joshua has previously boxed Francis Ngannou, knocking him out in the second round. The fight was questioned since Ngannou only had one fight before this, losing to Tyson Fury in a split decision. However, facing Paul races further questions. Paul’s resume is filled mostly with wins against non-pro boxers, losing to Tommy Fury, the first pro boxer he faced. Paul is also coming off a unanimous decision win against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. While Paul fight will no doubt earn Joshua a massive payday, former UFC fighter Molly McCann has accused AJ of selling out.

READ: Jake Paul scores first blood in Gervonta Davis

“I’m not here for it. He’s selling his soul for money, do you know what I mean? It’s like what, lad, have you not got enough? […] Turn it in lad. Why don’t we just leave this stuff alone?,” McCann said

Consequences

The long-term consequence of this could be damning. If top fighters are consistently choosing these “gimmick” fights over challenging contenders, it devalues world titles and makes the path to becoming a champion less meaningful. A fight with Paul, no matter the financial gain, does nothing to enhance Joshua’s legacy.

A fight between Joshua and Paul also raises serious concerns about fighter safety. While Paul has been a consistent presence in boxing for a few years, he is still a developing fighter with a limited skillset compared to a two-time former unified heavyweight champion. Joshua is a power-punching heavyweight with an Olympic gold medal and years of experience at the highest level of professional boxing. Paul, by contrast, has been knocking out people who are not, and were never, professional boxers.

The potential fight also creates a problematic narrative for boxing’s future. The rise of social media influencers in boxing, however, shifts the focus from the sport itself to the personalities involved. Instead of drawing fans in with the promise of a classic showdown between two of the best heavyweights, a Joshua-Paul fight markets itself on the notoriety of one fighter and the star power of the other. It reduces boxing to a celebrity event.