Everyone Thought AJ Only Wanted Tyson Fury – But Tony Bellew Just Dropped a ‘World-Shaking’ Name That Left the Entire Boxing World in Shock!

When Anthony Joshua won Olympic gold in London 2012, he instantly became more than just a promising heavyweight – he became Britain’s next big hope. Signed quickly by Matchroom Boxing, Joshua’s rise was meteoric. From sold-out arenas in the UK to global stadium shows, AJ’s charisma and knockout power turned him into a crossover star.

With a record of 22-0, his name was mentioned alongside legends before the shocking upset loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in New York in 2019. That defeat was historic not only because Joshua was dethroned but because it opened questions about his ability to remain at the very top. Six months later, he silenced critics with a disciplined rematch victory, reclaiming his belts and reaffirming his place among the elite. But every step since has been under the microscope – the defeats, the victories, the doubts, and the constant speculation about whether he can ever dominate again.

The Dubois Defeat and Uncertain Future

The most recent turning point was Joshua’s loss to Daniel Dubois, a result that stunned even hardcore boxing insiders. That fight didn’t just dent AJ’s record, it reignited an old debate: is Anthony Joshua’s time at the top finished, or can he rewrite his story one last time? Since that night, rumors and whispers have taken over the boxing community.

Some fans suggested retirement, others believed a comeback was inevitable. The heavyweight division remains wide open, with stars like Tyson Fury, Joseph Parker, and Oleksandr Usyk creating a high-stakes battlefield. And in the middle of it all sits Joshua – silent at first, then teasing.

Joshua’s Social Media Sparks Speculation

Boxing fans always read between the lines when a superstar posts cryptic messages online. Recently, Joshua gave them plenty to dissect. On his Instagram stories, AJ praised Joseph Parker for his fighting spirit, took a swipe at Tyson Fury, and shouted out Fabio Wardley for his unlikely rise from a recruitment job to heavyweight contender. What caught attention wasn’t just the praise but the defiance in his tone. His jab at Fury – calling him the opposite of a “real general” – hinted that bad blood is still boiling between the two giants. And when Joshua promised fans he would “lace up my boots and put on my gloves sooner than later,” it sent shockwaves through the boxing world. Was this the first confirmation of a comeback fight?

The Big Question: Who Will Joshua Fight Next?

The heavyweight division is unpredictable. Fans have long dreamed of Joshua vs Fury, a clash that many argue is the biggest fight in British boxing history. Yet, while that fight remains possible, the road to it seems filled with complications – politics, promoters, networks, and egos. That’s where Tony Bellew entered the conversation, dropping a bombshell that nobody expected.

Tony Bellew’s Bold Prediction

In an exclusive conversation, former world champion Tony Bellew suggested something both nostalgic and revolutionary: Anthony Joshua should fight Martin Bakole in Africa. Bellew didn’t hold back in describing the magnitude of the event. He called it “globally spectacular” and insisted it would appeal to fans worldwide. Why? Because boxing hasn’t had a mega event in Africa since the legendary days of Muhammad Ali. The last time the sport reached that stage was the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974, when Ali fought George Foreman in Zaire. Bellew argued that bringing Joshua to Africa would create a cultural moment, not just a fight.

Why Martin Bakole?

Casual fans may wonder: why Martin Bakole? For insiders, the answer is clear. Bakole, a Congolese heavyweight based in Scotland, has been one of the most feared sparring partners in the division. Stories about his gym wars circulate endlessly, with top fighters whispering that Bakole has the power to “knock everyone out on the spot.”

Though he hasn’t yet reached superstar status, he is respected among boxing purists for his toughness, size, and unrelenting style. A fight between Joshua and Bakole would not only test AJ’s resilience but also spotlight a fighter many believe deserves more recognition. Bellew even teased that Bakole often “moves away from actual fights” when opportunities are raised – hinting at an intriguing psychological angle to the matchup.

The Africa Factor – History Repeats Itself?

Bellew’s idea isn’t just about names; it’s about history. The idea of Joshua fighting in Africa instantly triggers comparisons to Ali’s iconic fight in Kinshasa. Could AJ become the modern-day link to that era?

For fans across Africa, such a fight would be monumental. It would signal boxing’s return to the continent after nearly five decades. Imagine the spectacle: a massive stadium in Kinshasa, Johannesburg, or Lagos filled with tens of thousands of fans, the global spotlight shining on Africa once more. For Joshua, whose Nigerian roots are central to his identity, such a fight would be more than business – it would be personal legacy.

Joshua vs Fury – Still the Dream?

Even with Bellew’s bold proposal, one question won’t go away: Will we ever see Joshua vs Fury? Fans have been teased for years. Contracts nearly signed, negotiations leaked, timelines promised – but the fight has never materialized.

Both fighters have accused each other of ducking, promoters have pointed fingers, and fans have grown restless. Joshua’s latest comments, throwing jabs at Fury’s career, only add fuel to the fire. If Joshua truly does return, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Fury fight isn’t back on the table. But until then, Bellew’s Africa vision offers something fresh – a fight that would rewrite the narrative instead of recycling the same old debate.

Fan Reactions: Divided but Curious

Since Bellew’s remarks hit the headlines, fan reactions have poured in. Some dismissed the idea of Bakole as not big enough a name for Joshua’s return. Others argued the location – Africa – would be bigger than any individual opponent. On social media, comments ranged from “Nobody wants AJ vs Bakole” to “This could be the modern Rumble in the Jungle.” And in the unpredictable world of boxing, fan energy often dictates reality.

What’s Next for Joshua?

At this point, one truth is unavoidable: Anthony Joshua will return. His social media hints, his pride, and his competitive fire won’t let him fade quietly into retirement. The questions are when, where, and against whom. Will it be Fury, the fight of dreams? Will it be Bakole, the fight of history? Or will it be another challenger entirely, perhaps Joseph Parker or Deontay Wilder? Whatever happens, Joshua’s next fight will define the final chapter of his career.

Conclusion – A Story Still Unfinished

Anthony Joshua’s story is far from over. His journey has already included Olympic glory, global fame, devastating losses, triumphant comebacks, and constant speculation. Now, as Tony Bellew’s comments ignite new conversations, the boxing world waits. A fight in Africa would be a statement to the sport’s past, present, and future. A showdown with Tyson Fury would settle the biggest grudge in British boxing history. Either way, Joshua remains at the center of heavyweight drama. And that is why, no matter the opponent, his next step will be watched by millions.