Why Anthony Joshua is Suddenly Challenging Oleksandr Usyk at This Sensitive Moment

In the ever-shifting landscape of heavyweight boxing, few rivalries command as much attention as Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua, once the unified heavyweight champion, has faced setbacks in recent years, including two losses to Usyk and a shocking knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois. Oleksandr Usyk, on the other hand, has cemented his legacy by becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion, yet he now stands at a career crossroads with retirement looming.

Recent developments in the International Boxing Federation (IBF) have unexpectedly opened a potential pathway for Anthony Joshua to challenge Oleksandr Usyk again. With mandatory obligations, sanctioning body politics, and shifting rankings, Joshua may find himself in a position to re-enter the title picture at precisely the right moment. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of why Anthony Joshua is suddenly challenging Oleksandr Usyk at this sensitive time, exploring the competitive, commercial, and legacy-driven factors behind this move.

Anthony Joshua’s Career at a Crossroads

Rise to Heavyweight Champion

Anthony Joshua rose to prominence after winning Olympic gold at the London 2012 Games. His transition to the professional ranks was rapid, and by 2016, he captured the IBF heavyweight title. In 2017, Joshua unified the WBA (Super), IBF, and IBO titles by defeating Wladimir Klitschko in a legendary bout at Wembley Stadium. His marketability, knockout power, and crossover appeal made him the face of heavyweight boxing.

Setbacks in the Ring

However, Joshua’s career trajectory shifted dramatically after suffering his first professional defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. Although he avenged the loss later that year, vulnerabilities were exposed. His most significant challenges came against Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated him in 2021 and 2022 to claim and retain the unified titles.

Recent Defeat to Daniel Dubois

In September 2024, Joshua faced Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt and was knocked out in the fifth round. This defeat appeared to mark the decline of Joshua’s career, with many speculating about retirement. Injuries, including elbow surgery in mid-2025, further cast doubt on his future in the sport.

Retirement Considerations

Joshua himself has hinted at the possibility of retiring soon, similar to Usyk’s own statements. However, the sudden opportunity presented by the IBF has reignited speculation that Joshua could pursue one final, legacy-defining fight.

Oleksandr Usyk: A Champion Under Pressure

Usyk’s Dominance at Cruiserweight and Heavyweight

Oleksandr Usyk’s career is a model of consistency and skill. After unifying all major titles at cruiserweight, Usyk moved up to heavyweight and shocked the world by defeating Anthony Joshua in 2021. His technical mastery, agility, and adaptability made him a difficult opponent for larger heavyweights.

Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

By 2024, Usyk had collected the WBA (Super), WBO, IBF, and IBO belts, cementing his place as the undisputed champion. In July 2025, he knocked out Daniel Dubois, reaffirming his dominance and silencing doubts about his power.

Mandatory Defense Obligations

Despite his status, Usyk faces multiple pressures from sanctioning bodies. The WBO has ordered him to defend against interim champion Joseph Parker, while the IBF has initiated an eliminator between Efe Ajagba and Frank Sanchez to determine the mandatory challenger.

The Sensitive Timing

Usyk has publicly stated he will fight only one more time before retiring. This adds urgency and complexity to the situation: should he defend against Parker, face the IBF mandatory, or select a blockbuster fight for his farewell? Joshua entering the picture complicates—but also enhances—the intrigue.

The IBF’s Role: A Golden Window for Joshua

IBF Rankings and the Eliminator

Currently, the IBF’s #1 contender position is vacant. The sanctioning body ordered a final eliminator between Efe Ajagba (#3) and Frank Sanchez (#4). The winner would become Usyk’s mandatory challenger. However, organizational delays and negotiations have stalled progress.

Joshua’s Position in IBF Rankings

Anthony Joshua is ranked #5 by the IBF. If Ajagba vs Sanchez fails to materialize, Joshua could be elevated as a candidate for the mandatory position. Additionally, if Usyk vacates the IBF belt under sanctioning body pressure, Joshua could fight for the vacant title against another top-ranked contender.

Why This Window Matters

This scenario creates a rare golden opportunity for Joshua to re-enter world title contention despite recent defeats. In the past, sanctioning body politics have altered championship paths. For Joshua, the IBF’s uncertainty could grant him one last chance at redemption.

Why Joshua is Seizing the Moment

Redemption Against Usyk

Joshua has lost twice to Usyk, and a third fight offers a chance to rewrite the narrative. While many analysts favor Usyk, Joshua’s physicality and potential adjustments could make a trilogy bout more competitive. For Joshua, the rematch is as much about pride and legacy as it is about belts.

Commercial Value of AJ vs Usyk Trilogy

An Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk trilogy would generate enormous global interest. Both fighters are established stars, with fan bases in the UK, Ukraine, and worldwide. Broadcasters such as DAZN and Sky Sports would compete for rights, ensuring massive pay-per-view revenue.

Legacy Implications

For Joshua, defeating Usyk in what could be the Ukrainian’s final fight would restore credibility and elevate his career legacy. For Usyk, defeating Joshua for a third time would solidify his status as one of the all-time greats.

Timing and Sensitivity

This moment is sensitive because both men are nearing retirement. Usyk has declared he will fight only once more, while Joshua has hinted at hanging up the gloves soon. A clash now represents not just a title fight, but a symbolic conclusion to their intertwined careers.

Limited Alternatives

Joshua could pursue other fights—such as a crossover event with Jake Paul or a rematch with Dubois—but none carry the same prestige or legacy value as a showdown with Usyk.

Fans, Media, and Promoter Perspectives

Promoter Reactions

• Eddie Hearn (Matchroom Boxing) has consistently emphasized Joshua’s drawing power and hinted that AJ could return directly to world title contention.

• Frank Warren (Queensberry Promotions) has focused on Dubois’s trajectory but acknowledged that Joshua remains a major name.

Media Analysis

Sports media highlight the business sense of a Joshua vs Usyk trilogy. While purists may question Joshua’s credentials for another title shot, networks and promoters recognize the global appeal.

Fan Perspectives

Boxing fans remain divided. Some argue that Joshua’s recent losses disqualify him from an immediate title shot. Others believe his marketability and prior championship reign justify his inclusion in the title picture.

Historical Context: The Joshua vs Usyk Rivalry

First Fight: September 2021, London

• Usyk defeated Joshua by unanimous decision at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

• Scorecards: 117–112, 116–112, 115–113.

• Usyk outlanded Joshua with superior accuracy and movement.

Second Fight: August 2022, Jeddah

• Usyk retained his titles via split decision.

• Scorecards: 116–112, 115–113 for Usyk; 115–113 for Joshua.

• Joshua showed improvements but still failed to overcome Usyk’s technical mastery.

The Potential Trilogy

A third fight would be historic: the chance for Joshua to reclaim honor and for Usyk to cement his dominance. With both men near retirement, the trilogy would carry narrative and symbolic weight unmatched in the current heavyweight division.

What’s at Stake for Boxing?

Usyk’s Farewell

If Usyk chooses Joshua as his final opponent, it could serve as a fitting farewell: a high-profile fight against a former champion who defined this boxing era.

Joshua’s Redemption Story

Joshua’s chance to defeat Usyk would represent one of the most dramatic redemption arcs in heavyweight history.

Heavyweight Division Implications

The outcome will influence the future landscape. Fighters such as Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker, and Efe Ajagba all await opportunities. A Joshua victory could dramatically alter matchmaking for 2026.

Commercial Impact

AJ vs Usyk III would rank among the top global sporting events of 2025–2026, drawing millions in pay-per-view sales and reinforcing boxing’s relevance in mainstream sports.

Conclusion

Anthony Joshua’s sudden challenge to Oleksandr Usyk at this sensitive moment is driven by timing, legacy, and opportunity. The IBF’s uncertainty has created an opening, while Usyk’s nearing retirement adds urgency. For Joshua, this is likely the last chance to rewrite his legacy. For Usyk, it is the chance to close his career on his own terms against a familiar rival.

While sanctioning body politics and mandatory defenses complicate the landscape, the commercial and narrative appeal of a Joshua vs Usyk trilogy cannot be denied. This potential bout is not just about championship belts—it is about redemption, closure, and cementing legacies in the storied history of heavyweight boxing.