Anthony Joshua hints at 2026 retirement

Two-time unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has hinted at a possible retirement in 2026, BSNSports.com.ng reports. Joshua said he has a maximum of five years before calling it quit in the sport. Since making his professional debut in 2013, Joshua has become a two-time champion, having regained his WBA, IBF and WBO titles in a 2019 rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr before defending them with a knockout win over Kubrat Pulev last month. The 31-year-old is currently in negotiations about two massive unification fights against Tyson Fury in 2021. “This isn’t the start of my career. I’m coming towards the end of my career,” King AJ stated. “I’m not someone who lives in the moment and thinks that everything is just like for now. I’m always planning ahead so I’m coming towards the end of my career. “Five years left and that’s basically an Olympic cycle. I’ve got an Olympic cycle and a little bit more left, so when you see the next Olympics happen is when I’ll be coming to the end of my career and the next generation will be coming through.” Fury turned professional in 2008, nearly five years before Joshua, who recently suggested that his British rival should also be thinking about hanging up his gloves. “Fury has been professional much longer than me. He should be looking to retire soon,” Joshua disclosed. “If he wants to cement his legacy, I’m here and ready. I’ve built myself into this position.”