Anthony Joshua will have been out of the ring for over 12 months by the time he returns.

The former two-time champion was last seen competing in September 2024 when he was stopped inside five rounds by young IBF champion Daniel Dubois.

That came after a period of rebuilding following two back-to-back losses in 2021 and 2022 to Oleksandr Usyk, which left Joshua without any of his three world title belts.

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Right now, he is out recovering from minor elbow surgery but will soon be back in the ring and looking for an appropriate opponent.

Speaking to JackPotCity, former WBO heavyweight champion and current interim champion Joseph Parker was asked about the fight he would like most, and he went with the man who beat him back in 2018.

“I would most like to avenge the AJ fight because back in 2018 I was a very different fighter to the fighter I am now, and AJ is a different fighter as well. He’s been the poster boy for boxing and he’s brought a lot of attention to boxing, and I’d like to avenge that loss. I would love the opportunity to fight Joshua. I think he’s had some surgery, and he’s looking to come back again, so if that opportunity arises, I’ll take it with both hands, and it’ll be a great fight. If he’s still motivated and passionate about boxing, he should keep going. If that’s what he wants to do. He’s still got a lot to give.”

A rematch between these two would be a good fight for both at this stage. Parker holds the interim WBO strap and is keen to push on for a world title and Joshua is in need of getting back to winning ways and proving he still has plenty left and big ambitions of his own.

Parker, as mandatory for the full belt, is first in the rotation of challengers to face the winner of Usyk and Dubois’ upcoming undisputed contest. If the Ukrainian wins, there is a chance he decides to vacate the belts, meaning Parker could soon be elevated or fighting for the belt. Joshua would do well to keep him in his sights.