Froch Delivers Brutal Verdict on Joshua's Future
Former world champion Carl Froch has delivered a stunning assessment of Anthony Joshua's career, stating the former two-time heavyweight titleholder stands no chance against the division's new rising stars, specifically naming the undefeated Moses Itauma.
Froch, speaking on his official YouTube channel, suggested that Joshua's drive has diminished significantly. "The ambition and the desire has gone," Froch declared, explaining why he believes the 36-year-old would be outmatched by the new generation of heavyweights.
Joshua's Road Back After Dubois Defeat
This criticism comes after a difficult period for Joshua, who has been absent from the ring since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. That fight, which took place in front of over 95,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, was a significant setback.
While an immediate rematch was initially planned, Joshua took time away to recover from minor injuries sustained during the bout. His comeback is now scheduled for next month against YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul. The high-profile clash will stream live on Netflix from Miami on December 19.
Should he emerge victorious, Joshua is reportedly targeting two major fights in 2026.
The New Guard: Itauma and Wardley Rise
During Joshua's hiatus, the heavyweight landscape has shifted. Moses Itauma, a 20-year-old phenom, has generated immense buzz with an explosive first-round knockout victory over veteran Dillian Whyte back in August.
His potential has been endorsed by legends like Oleksandr Usyk and Lennox Lewis, who see him as a future dominant force. Froch is not alone in his high praise for the young contender.
Another British heavyweight making waves is Fabio Wardley, who was recently crowned heavyweight champion after Usyk vacated his belt. Wardley secured the interim WBO title by stopping Joseph Parker in the 11th round last month.
Froch also discussed a potential Joshua vs. Wardley fight, suggesting the new champion possesses the power to trouble AJ. "I actually said... that you would potentially KO Anthony Joshua if you fought him," Froch stated, citing both Wardley's "monster punch" and Joshua's current "unsure" fighting style.
Wardley, who was present for the discussion, confidently agreed. "I’d back myself to knock out anyone in the heavyweight division," he said. "I carry power to damage anyone, whether it be AJ... They’re going to know they’ve been hit."
With established champions like Tyson Fury and Usyk nearing the end of their careers, the stage is set for a new era in the heavyweight division, with young talents like Itauma and Wardley poised to take centre stage.
