Anthony Joshua at a Career Crossroad – Tyson Fury, Martin Bakole, or a Saudi Mega-Fight?

Anthony Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight world champion, finds himself at a career-defining crossroads. After bouncing back from losses against Oleksandr Usyk, AJ has strung together a series of wins, proving that he is still one of the most dangerous and marketable heavyweights in the division.

But now, the question is: What’s next?

With the heavyweight landscape evolving rapidly, Joshua is faced with several high-stakes options. The choices ahead of him are career-defining:

• A British mega-fight with Tyson Fury, the WBC champion, in what could be the biggest all-British boxing event of all time.
• A high-risk battle with the rising powerhouse Martin Bakole, who has been calling him out and has the potential to derail his comeback.
• A Saudi-backed blockbuster showdown, where unmatched financial incentives could dictate his next move.

Each path presents unique challenges and rewards. But which one will Joshua take?

Option 1: The Long-Awaited Tyson Fury Showdown

The Fight That Boxing Fans Demand

A Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight is one of the most anticipated matchups in British boxing history. For years, fans have waited for the moment when these two giants of the sport would finally clash.

With Fury currently reigning as WBC heavyweight champion, a fight with Joshua would be the biggest British heavyweight showdown since Lennox Lewis vs. Frank Bruno.

Why It Makes Sense Now

• Massive Pay-Per-View Numbers: The fight is guaranteed to generate record-breaking revenue, making it a financial goldmine.
• Legacy-Defining Moment: Joshua could prove once and for all that he is the best heavyweight of his era.
• Redemption for AJ: After back-to-back defeats to Usyk, Joshua has rebuilt his confidence. Beating Fury would silence all doubters.

The Roadblocks to Making It Happen

• Negotiation Chaos: The fight has fallen apart multiple times due to financial disagreements and contract disputes.
• Fury’s Unpredictability: The Gypsy King has been known to change plans on a whim, leaving fans and promoters frustrated.
• Timing Issues: Fury is scheduled to fight Oleksandr Usyk in a historic undisputed heavyweight title bout. Would Joshua wait, or seek another fight?

Despite the complications, Joshua vs. Fury is still the biggest fight in British boxing. If both men want to cement their legacies, this fight must happen.

Option 2: A Dangerous Test Against Martin Bakole

The Rising Threat No One Wants to Face

While many heavyweights are chasing glory fights, Martin Bakole has been quietly destroying opponents and building a reputation as one of the most avoided fighters in the division.

Standing at 6’6” with devastating power, Bakole is a nightmare matchup for anyone, and his aggressive callouts of Joshua have added serious tension.

Why Joshua vs. Bakole Is a Real Possibility

• A Huge Risk with High Rewards: If Joshua defeats Bakole, it will prove that he can handle a younger, fresher, and more dangerous opponent.
• A True Test of His Durability: Bakole is known for his relentless pressure and heavy hands. Can Joshua withstand the storm?
• Eliminating a Future Problem: By beating Bakole now, Joshua avoids a potential threat if Bakole becomes champion later.

Why This Fight Might Not Happen

• Too Much Risk, Not Enough Reward: Bakole is still not a household name, meaning the financial upside is lower than a fight with Fury or Deontay Wilder.
• Joshua’s Team May Look Elsewhere: AJ is carefully planning his career, and Bakole might not fit the long-term strategy.
• Danger of Derailment: A loss to Bakole would shatter any hopes of a title fight with Fury, Usyk, or Wilder.

If Joshua wants to prove he is still a dominant force, taking on a hungry, dangerous contender like Bakole would be a statement. But is it a risk worth taking?

Option 3: A Saudi Mega-Fight—The Money Route

The Saudi Arabian Boxing Revolution

Saudi Arabia has quickly become the powerhouse of combat sports, hosting some of the biggest fights in recent memory.

With Saudi investors offering unprecedented amounts of money, many top fighters are now prioritizing high-profile showdowns in the Middle East.

Why Joshua Might Choose This Route

• Unmatched Financial Incentives: Joshua could make more money in a single Saudi fight than in multiple bouts elsewhere.
• Control Over Opponent Selection: In Saudi fights, Joshua’s team would have more say in choosing a winnable opponent.
• No Need for a Championship Belt: Saudi Arabia is willing to pay top dollar for entertainment, regardless of whether a title is on the line.

Potential Opponents in a Saudi Megafight

1. Deontay Wilder: A Knockout War

   • A Joshua vs. Wilder fight in Saudi Arabia would be a global spectacle, pitting two of the hardest hitters in heavyweight history against each other.

2. Andy Ruiz Trilogy Setting the Score

   • With each man having one victory, a third fight would be a major event, and Saudi Arabia could be the perfect venue.

3. A Surprise Heavyweight Name

   • With Saudi’s financial backing, almost any fighter could be convinced to step into the ring with Joshua.

Why This May Not Be the Best Move

• A Legacy Without a Championship? Fighting in Saudi Arabia could be lucrative, but would it add to Joshua’s boxing legacy?
• Fans Want the Biggest Fights: While Joshua has earned the right to make money, the world wants to see him face the best.

A Saudi superfight is the easiest and most lucrative option, but does it give Joshua the respect and validation he craves?

What Should Anthony Joshua Do?

Each option presents unique advantages and risks:

• Fighting Tyson Fury would secure Joshua’s legacy and give fans the biggest British fight in history.
• Face Martin Bakole would prove that Joshua is still capable of taking on the toughest challenges in the division.
• A Saudi mega-fight would provide massive financial rewards but may not enhance his standing among boxing greats.

At this stage in his career, Joshua must decide:

• Does he fight for legacy or financial security?
• Does he take the hard road back to championship gold or the safe route to easy paydays?
• Does he silence his doubters by fighting the best or maximize his earnings before retirement?

Whatever he chooses, Anthony Joshua remains one of the biggest names in boxing—but his next move will determine whether he ends his career as a legend or just another former champion.

The heavyweight division is watching, and the time for Joshua’s defining decision is now.