Anthony Joshua has just "two fights, three fights max" left before retirement, according to promoter Eddie Hearn in a passionate interview with talkSPORT on Thursday.
The revelation comes as speculation mounts over a potential blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury, who recently announced his fifth retirement from boxing.
Hearn, speaking about his long-time client's future, emphasised that Joshua's remaining bouts would be focused solely on reclaiming heavyweight glory.
"The plan and the goal for Anthony Joshua, always, from now to the moment he retires, is to try and win the World Heavyweight Championship," Hearn declared.
Anthony Joshua has two or three fights 'max' and one of them could be Tyson Fury
Reuters/PA
Fury's latest retirement announcement came in January, following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December.
"Hi everybody, I'm going to make this short and sweet," Fury said in a social media clip. "I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing. It's been a blast, I've loved every single minute of it."
The Gypsy King appears to be enjoying his time away from the ring, having been spotted this week sharing breakfast with Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
The pair were photographed by Ring Magazine enjoying Eggs Benedict and tea, fitting for Fury, an outspoken United supporter who has previously expressed interest in fighting at Old Trafford.
Despite Fury's retirement, Hearn appears ready to make an offer to lure the heavyweight back into the ring.
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"Maybe there's a conversation in a week or two weeks or three weeks' time where we say to Fury, 'just to let you know, you don't wanna fight AJ, in the summer, or August, September, because if you want to come out of retirement, now is the time to do it'," Hearn told reporters.
The Matchroom Boxing supremo was clear about his fighter's intentions: "The only things I know are AJ wants to fight Fury and he wants to fight for the world heavyweight title, that's it."
Reports suggest Fury is already considering a return to face Joshua, just weeks after announcing his retirement.
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Tyson Fury lost two fights against Oleksandr Usyk before retiring
Reuters
Joshua may have hinted at developments behind the scenes with a cryptic social media post shared shortly before news broke of Fury's potential return.
The heavyweight posted an image of himself playing chess in a sunny location, accompanied by the caption: "The game is the game" and a black pawn emoji.
The timing of the post has sparked speculation among boxing fans, particularly as Hearn continues to explore options for Joshua's remaining fights before retirement.
Both fighters enter this potential clash following significant setbacks in their careers.
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Anthony Joshua has not fought since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September
PA
Joshua suffered a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September, while Fury experienced his second defeat to Usyk in December.
Hearn passionately defended Joshua's willingness to face top opposition, citing his immediate rematches with both Ruiz and Usyk.
"When he got stopped by Andy Ruiz, everyone went, 'whoa, his confidence is shot to pieces, do not go straight back in with Andy Ruiz.' He went straight back in with Andy Ruiz," Hearn recalled.
"At this stage, it's not like, 'oh, how do we have a couple of easy fights to end a career?' It's like... [s***] or bust."
