Losing mass and looking leaner has, at times, been the goal for Anthony Joshua.
However, based on recent confirmation of a serious injury, his recent weight loss seems to have been imposed upon the former heavyweight champion rather than aimed for.
In an Instagram story posted yesterday, Joshua cut a noticeably leaner figure – a far cry from the pre-bout physique that his fans have become accustomed to. Joshua’s new look comes just weeks after Eddie Hearn confirmed that the 2012 Olympic gold medalist had sustained a serious injury. Hearn estimated that Joshua wouldn’t be able to “train properly for eight to 10 weeks”, ruling out any fights during the summer.
READ: Boxer who got KO by Daniel Dubois Reveals The One Big Mistake Both Him And Anthony Joshua Made Against Him
It will be frustrating news to hear for Joshua as 2025 looked to be a year of redemption and renewal. Joshua headed into his last fight – an IBF world heavyweight championship bout with Daniel Dubois last September – on a promising run of form. Psychologically, Joshua seemed to have put the back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk behind him. Dispatching Jermaine Franklin Jr, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou in the space of 11 months put AJ firmly back in the world heavyweight championship conversation.
Sadly, it was not to be for Joshua. A devastating fifth-round knockout at the hands of Dubois brought his four-fight unbeaten streak to an end and dealt him his fourth career loss. He has not fought since, and this recent injury will prolong that absence. However, questions as to who will be his next opponent continue to be asked.
A title rematch with Dubois as well as a dream match with the recently-retired Tyson Fury have been suggested. However, when Joshua does return from injury, it seems more likely that he’ll face someone further down the rankings to help build momentum and in-ring fitness.
As opposed to current or former world champions, recent reports suggest that a more unorthodox opponent might be on the cards for Anthony Joshua. Earlier this week, influencer and now professional boxer Jake Paul called out AJ on his podcast. While it may not be the obvious opponent to help reignite Joshua’s heavyweight championship aspirations, the payout would be enough to soothe any lingering wounds from the Dubois fight. Eddie Hearn has since estimated that Joshua could pick up as much as £100 million from a clash with the Problem Child.
| Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua’s professional boxing records (as of 29/03/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Jake Paul | Anthony Joshua | |
| Fights | 12 | 32 |
| Wins | 11 | 28 |
| Losses | 1 | 4 |
At 35, it may be time for Joshua to consider all possible options in the ring. However, from the looks of his most recent Instagram story, there’s no reason for fans to doubt either his confidence or his new look. “Soon back on top,” the first image reads. A message to be taken seriously by his next opponent – whether that’s Daniel Dubois, Tyson Fury, or Jake Paul.
