Former light welterweight champion Amir Khan has called on Anthony Joshua to delay any plans for future fights and focus on securing a blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury as the ultimate conclusion to his illustrious boxing career.
Khan, who himself enjoyed a celebrated career before retiring, believes an all-British showdown with Fury would be a fitting finale for Joshua, who has amassed over $200 million in earnings and etched his name among boxing’s elite.
“He should wait for the big fight against Tyson Fury,” Khan told the New Zealand Daily. “They’re both huge stars, and it would be the perfect way for him to bow out. AJ has had an incredible career, made a fortune, won multiple titles, fought on global stages, and cemented his legacy. Why not finish on a high note by taking on Fury and then retiring?”
Joshua is currently on the sidelines, recovering from injuries sustained in his September loss to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, a fight that ended in a fifth-round knockout. According to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, the former unified heavyweight champion is not expected to return to the ring before May 2024.
Meanwhile, Tyson Fury is preparing for a highly anticipated rematch against Oleksandr Usyk in December. Fury lost his WBC heavyweight title to the Ukrainian earlier this year via a split decision and will be looking to reclaim his place atop the division.
Khan suggested that if Fury does not regain his title, a clash with Joshua could become more feasible, especially with significant financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season. Reports suggest that His Excellency Turki Alalshikh might extend a lucrative offer to bring the fight to the Middle East, a location that has become a hub for high-profile boxing events.
Highlighting Joshua’s relatively undamaged condition despite a tough career, Khan emphasized the opportunity for the former champion to walk away from the sport with both his legacy and health intact.
“He can enjoy the rest of his life knowing he’s respected as a great champion,” Khan said. “Plus, he hasn’t taken too much damage in the ring, which is rare for someone who has fought at the highest level.”
While the prospect of a Joshua-Fury showdown remains speculative, such a clash would undoubtedly be one of the most significant events in British boxing history, offering both fighters a chance to cement their legacies in spectacular fashion.