Joshua Teases a ‘Billion-Dollar Fight’ – Will Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk Accept the Challenge?

Anthony Joshua, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion, is standing at a crossroads. Almost a year has passed since his devastating knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, and fans across the globe are asking the same burning question: What’s next for AJ? Will it finally be the long-awaited Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury super-fight? Could we see the shock of a third clash with Oleksandr Usyk? Or will the heavyweight division throw another unexpected twist into the mix? The stakes are higher than ever, and Joshua’s next move could redefine his legacy in the sport.

Tyson Fury – The Super-Fight That Just Won’t Die

When fans talk about unfinished business in boxing, nothing looms larger than Joshua vs Fury. For years, this all-British showdown has been hyped, negotiated, canceled, revived, and then pushed back into uncertainty. It is the fight that was supposed to define an era of heavyweight boxing, yet somehow it has remained elusive.

Even after both men suffered humbling defeats — Joshua to Dubois, and Fury to Usyk — the fight still carries enormous weight. The public demand has never disappeared. In fact, one could argue it has grown stronger as time passes without resolution.

Fury, known for his mercurial decisions, has flirted with retirement more than once. At 37, the “Gypsy King” is not too old for a heavyweight clash, and insiders still believe he might be tempted back into the ring if the terms — and the payday — are right. As one promoter put it bluntly: “It’s a fight that should have happened. Is it too late? Absolutely not.”

If Joshua and Fury both commit, this would be the biggest all-British heavyweight fight in history, a blockbuster that could fill Wembley Stadium twice over. But here’s the catch: Joshua is ready now. Fury is not. The longer the delay, the greater the risk that this once-in-a-lifetime fight never happens. And if it does, will it still mean the same, or will it be too little, too late?

Deontay Wilder – A Rivalry That Refuses to Fade

If not Fury, then what about Deontay Wilder? For years, boxing fans dreamed of a clash between Joshua and Wilder when they each held pieces of the heavyweight crown. The fight never materialized, and the opportunity for an undisputed bout was lost. Yet, despite setbacks, the rivalry still lingers.

Wilder’s career has taken a sharp turn in recent years. Defeats to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang damaged his reputation, but the American remains one of the most dangerous punchers in the division. He recently returned with a comeback win and declared himself ready for more. His camp has signaled openness to talks with Joshua, and the timing could finally align.

For Joshua, Wilder represents more than just another fight — he represents redemption. Beating Wilder would silence critics, re-establish Joshua as a global force, and potentially set up the Fury fight once again. But the risk is enormous: Wilder may be inconsistent, but his right hand is still one of the most feared weapons in boxing. One mistake could spell disaster.

Joshua vs Wilder is a fight that could deliver fireworks. Both men are desperate to prove they are not yesterday’s news, and both know time is running out. Could this be the moment when one rivalry finally gets settled in the ring?

Daniel Dubois – The Case for Revenge

Joshua’s loss to Daniel Dubois still stings. For a fighter of AJ’s stature, being knocked out in such fashion was more than just a defeat — it was a humiliation. The calls for a rematch came almost immediately, and the storyline of revenge is one that boxing fans love.

But here’s where it gets complicated: Dubois has since lost to Usyk, leaving him without a world title. That reduces the stakes for a rematch, and some argue Joshua should aim higher. Yet others see opportunity. Dubois’ confidence may be shaken, his team in transition, and his aura diminished. Joshua could strike now and reclaim pride, if not a championship.

A Dubois rematch may not have the glamour of Fury or the danger of Wilder, but it has emotional weight. Redemption is a powerful motivator, and Joshua knows better than anyone that his reputation needs rebuilding. Would revenge over Dubois be enough to win back the fans?

Martin Bakole – A Ghana Showdown?

Another name in the mix is Martin Bakole, a powerful heavyweight from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Why Bakole? Because Joshua’s team has floated the idea of staging a fight in Ghana, tapping into AJ’s African heritage and opening the door to a massive event on the continent.

Bakole has shared sparring sessions with Joshua in the past, and he has both the size and style to make it interesting. However, his recent form has been mixed: an impressive win over Jared Anderson was followed by a brutal knockout loss to Joseph Parker and a disappointing draw with Efe Ajagba. His stock is not what it once was.

Still, a fight in Ghana would be historic. It would cement Joshua’s global appeal, generate huge international headlines, and perhaps provide the perfect backdrop for a “homecoming” type of event. While Bakole may not be the most dangerous name on the list, the spectacle of such a fight could make it worthwhile.

Oleksandr Usyk – Could There Really Be a Trilogy?

Joshua has already fought Oleksandr Usyk twice — and lost both times. The Ukrainian maestro outboxed him with skill, precision, and an almost effortless command of the ring. Most fans believed the story was over. But is it?

Usyk is now a two-division undisputed champion, Olympic gold medalist, and undefeated professional. He has beaten everyone put in front of him — Joshua, Fury, Dubois — and established himself as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. If he were to fight only once more, it would have to be something special.

And here’s where it gets intriguing: a third fight with Joshua might actually make sense. Why? Because in their rematch, Joshua fought with more aggression and made the fight closer than most expected. Usyk usually improves in rematches, but Joshua was the one who raised his level. Could he do it again? Could AJ finally crack the Usyk code in a third bout?

For Usyk, such a fight would be lucrative, high-profile, and fitting as a final chapter to his illustrious career. For Joshua, it would be the ultimate chance at redemption. It’s unlikely, but not impossible — and in boxing, the unlikely has a way of happening.

Tony Yoka – The Outsider

Then there is Tony Yoka, the French Olympic champion who once stole the spotlight from Joshua at the Rio 2016 Games. Once tipped as the next big star, Yoka’s professional career has faltered badly with three consecutive defeats. Yet, with a new trainer and promoter, he is rebuilding and could angle for a showdown with Joshua.

For now, Yoka is not seriously in the conversation. Even Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has dismissed the idea. But stranger things have happened in boxing. If the big names fail to materialize, Yoka could emerge as a “plan B” opponent.

The Verdict – What’s Next for AJ?

So, where does this leave us? Joshua’s next fight could go in several directions:

• Fury would be the ultimate super-fight, but only if Fury decides to return.

• Wilder offers risk and reward in equal measure, a fight fans have wanted for years.

• Dubois gives Joshua a shot at revenge and redemption.

• Bakole could provide the spectacle of a Ghana event.

• Usyk III would be bold, historic, and dangerous.

• Yoka is the outsider, a fallback option.

What is clear is this: Anthony Joshua cannot afford to wait any longer. At 34, with back-to-back defeats still fresh in memory, he must choose wisely. The next fight will not just define his career — it could decide whether he remains a global star or becomes a relic of what might have been.

The world is watching, and the heavyweight division is waiting. The question is no longer if Joshua will return — but who will dare to stand across the ring from him when he does?