Anthony Joshua has been one of the most feared fighters in boxing for years. Opponents often enter the ring knowing they will have to survive his size, strength and relentless pressure before they can even think about winning. Today, the conversation has changed. The question is no longer whether Joshua can win another fight, but whether he can once again become a heavyweight that is truly feared by his opponents.
Joshua's rise to the top has been built on explosive performances and commanding performances. He stopped Charles Martin to win his first world title, knocked out Dominic Breazeale, Eric Molina and Carlos Takam, and scored memorable victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin and Dillian Whyte. Meanwhile, Joshua looked like the team's next force, combining athleticism and punching power.
Everything changed on June 1, 2019. Andy Ruiz Jr. shocked the boxing world by stopping Joshua in seven rounds at Madison Square Garden, exposing a weakness that few believed existed. Although Joshua regained his titles in a rematch six months later with some impressive boxing, he never looked the same aggressive finisher later.
Oleksandr Usyk's loss reinforced that view. Joshua showed flashes of excellent boxing but was unable to solve one of the sport's most technically gifted champions. Then came a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024, another setback that raised new questions about his fitness and confidence among the elite heavyweights.
None of this means that Joshua will no longer be able to compete at a high level. He is still one of boxing's most attractive men, still has the ability to finish a fight, and continues to improve by working with new trainers and training with members of Usyk's team. At 36, he is still searching for a formula that can get him back into the heavyweight title picture.
The challenge is that fear is hard to rebuild once it is lost. Heavyweights once considered Joshua to be the division's top puncher and one of its most dangerous champions. Today, many opponents may see opportunities. Ruiz has shown that Joshua can get hurt. Usyk has shown that he can be taken out of the box. Dubois proved unstoppable.
Joshua's upcoming return against Kristian Prenga on July 25 offers more than one chance to win. Fans will be on the lookout for signs that this old favorite is back. A smart decision might keep him moving forward in the big fights, but it's unlikely he'll change his mind. A dominant knockout, especially if it comes with the ferocity and confidence that defined his early championship reign, would do much more to restore the aura that once surrounded him.
The biggest unanswered question about Joshua's health is whether he can make the heavyweight division fear him again.
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Last updated on 2026/07/15 at 11:56 AM
