Anthony Joshua has not ruled out a sensational move to MMA before he calls time on his career. The former two-time heavyweight champion is scheduled to make a return to the boxing ring on July 25 against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 'AJ' has not fought since his sixth-round knockout win over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Potential Fury Showdown
Joshua is expected to come away from his meeting with Prenga without a scratch, which will then finally set up a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury. The 'Gypsy King' called out his British rival after his win over Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, but 'AJ' refused to step in the ring. Just days later, however, they signed a fight deal and will likely trade leather in November.
Interest in Crossover Fights
With Joshua set to turn 37 in October, many are wondering how many more years he has left. It seems he is interested in money-spinning opportunities and has even welcomed a switch to the octagon. "Believe me, I was thinking, why don't I step over into one of their territories because they keep on coming to our territory?" Joshua said on the Mr Verzace podcast. "Obviously, this is big business. It's big boxing, it's heavyweight boxing. You are talking about the best in their chosen field. MMA, kickboxing. These aren't amateurs, these are actually experienced fighters. It would be good if one of us went into that side and we see how we get on over there."
Over the years, boxing fans have witnessed several crossover clashes. Joshua famously destroyed former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in the second round two years ago. Ngannou fared better against Fury months earlier, losing via split decision but dropping the Morecambe brawler in the third round. More recently, kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven suffered a controversial loss to Oleksandr Usyk, stopped in the 11th round after the bell. Earlier, two former world champions in boxing moved to the UFC: Holly Holm defeated Ronda Rousey, while James Toney was submitted by Randy Couture in the first round in 2010.
Nevertheless, Joshua is interested. "So even if let's say, Anthony Joshua—speaking in third person—was to cross over into MMA, it wouldn't be as big as them coming over into boxing," he continued. "Boxing is just the pinnacle of combat sport. 100 percent [I'd want a name opponent]. So that means it's big business then. MMA, kickboxing, or boxing. It can be done, I believe it should be done. I think that will be the next thing that we want to see."
The 36-year-old added: "So there's been a case study where someone like James has crossed over. There has been actually, but I was thinking about it. Those guys keep on coming over into our territory. It will be interesting to see who the first one will be to cross over into their territory."
