Anthony Joshua Next Fight Update: Surprise Contender Added to Shortlist

The boxing world is once again buzzing as the spotlight shifts toward Anthony Joshua next fight. Following a turbulent performance against Daniel Dubois, questions loom large over who the former heavyweight champion will face next. While the route forward remains uncertain, recent developments suggest Joshua's comeback trail could feature a surprising twist, with an unexpected name joining the list of potential opponents. Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that a five-man shortlist is in play, and there’s even talk of Joshua making his long-awaited debut in Las Vegas — a move that would have to happen before the Super Bowl next year.

Joshua’s Redemption Arc After Dubois Defeat

Joshua’s last outing ended in disappointment, as he was edged out by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois in a fight that exposed some of the vulnerabilities critics have long discussed. Once the poster boy of British boxing, Joshua now finds himself in a critical career phase. The defeat was a major blow to his aspirations of regaining a heavyweight title, and now the stakes have never been higher.

Despite the setback, promoter Eddie Hearn remains optimistic about his fighter’s future. Speaking to the media, Hearn hinted at a "surprise addition" to the pool of names under consideration for Anthony Joshua next fight. While he declined to name the new contender outright, insiders suggest it’s someone who could challenge Joshua in a way fans haven’t seen before.

The Known Names and the Mystery Addition

The original shortlist reportedly included familiar names like Deontay Wilder, Zhilei Zhang, Otto Wallin, Joseph Parker, and Filip Hrgović. Each of these fighters presents a different style and level of risk, and all are being evaluated based on timing, location, and marketability.

But it’s the sixth name — the surprise — that has fans and analysts scrambling for clues. Rumors suggest the wildcard could be a rising American heavyweight with an undefeated record, possibly Jared Anderson. Others believe it could be a cross-division fight against a cruiserweight moving up, aiming to take advantage of Joshua’s recent inconsistency.

The inclusion of an unexpected challenger might be a calculated risk. It would offer Joshua a chance to rebuild confidence while still delivering intrigue to fans. Given the enormous pressure to deliver both commercially and competitively, Hearn and his team must weigh every option carefully.

Why Las Vegas?

One of the most interesting elements of this update on anthony joshua next fight is the potential location. Talks are underway about staging the bout in Las Vegas — a city synonymous with iconic boxing nights. Joshua has yet to fight in the U.S. since his shocking 2019 loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. at Madison Square Garden, and Vegas offers a grand stage for redemption.

However, scheduling is tight. With the Super Bowl set to take over the city early next year, promoters are looking at a narrow window to host a major fight without getting lost in the NFL hype. “If it’s going to happen in Vegas, it needs to be before Super Bowl weekend,” Hearn noted.

Strategic Timing and Broadcast Considerations

Beyond the venue, the timing of Joshua’s next appearance is critical. DAZN, his main broadcaster, is pushing for a marquee fight to kick off their Q1 calendar in 2025. There’s growing pressure to make the bout not only a return to form for Joshua but also a commercial success.

Broadcast partners reportedly favor a fight that has either domestic rivalry appeal or U.S. crossover potential. That would explain the addition of a surprise American opponent — someone who could draw both UK and U.S. audiences into the narrative.

Joshua's Mental Game and Training Update

Since the Dubois loss, Joshua has remained relatively low-key, focusing on rebuilding both mentally and physically. Sources close to his camp reveal that he's training in California under a new coaching setup, hoping to revamp his fighting style and regain his old edge.

The focus appears to be on movement, defense, and regaining his knockout power — all areas that were visibly lacking in recent performances. Fans will be keen to see how this new version of Joshua stacks up against a fresh opponent, especially if the surprise contender brings speed and agility into the mix.

What's At Stake

The importance of anthony joshua next fight cannot be overstated. This is more than just a comeback — it's a career-defining moment. A convincing win could catapult him back into world title contention, possibly setting up a clash with the winner of Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk. On the flip side, another defeat could mark the end of Joshua’s run as a top-tier heavyweight.

The surprise addition to his shortlist may also indicate a strategic pivot — a way to avoid risk while still keeping fans engaged. Whether that strategy pays off will depend not just on the opponent but on Joshua's ability to adapt, deliver, and dominate.

The Fans' Take

Public opinion is split. Some fans welcome the idea of a fresh opponent, arguing that Joshua needs a confidence-building fight before taking on the likes of Wilder or Hrgović. Others see it as a step backward, insisting that AJ should only fight elite-level opponents at this stage in his career.

Social media is already abuzz with speculation and predictions, especially as more hints emerge about the new name. With fight announcements expected soon, the buzz surrounding anthony joshua next fight is only going to intensify.

Conclusion

As the countdown begins toward the official announcement, all eyes are on Anthony Joshua and his team. The addition of a surprise name to the shortlist has certainly added fuel to the fire, raising the stakes even higher for a fight that could define the next phase of his career. Whether it’s a calculated step forward or a cautious retreat remains to be seen — but one thing’s for sure: anthony joshua next fight will be one of the most talked-about events in boxing over the coming months.

Stay tuned for updates, as Joshua’s opponent, location, and fight date could be revealed any day now. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain — the next chapter in the Joshua saga is set to be an explosive one.