Anthony Joshua has long been one of the most dominant forces in heavyweight boxing. With his combination of power, athleticism, and technical skill, he has secured multiple world titles and cemented his place as a modern boxing legend. However, in recent times, there has been growing concern that Joshua is no longer giving 100% inside the ring.
Now, after a crucial face-to-face discussion with his long-time promoter Eddie Hearn, many believe that Joshua fully understands the situation—and may even be making a shocking decision about his future in the sport.
This deep dive will explore
Joshua’s recent performances and signs that he is not giving his all
The crucial meeting with Eddie Hearn and what was discussed
Potential reasons why Joshua is not at his peak form
What this means for his career and the future of heavyweight boxing
Is Anthony Joshua holding back?
For years, Joshua was known for his explosive power and aggressive style, overwhelming opponents with sheer force. However, following his shocking loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, there has been a noticeable change in his approach.
Instead of the fearless knockout artist that fans were used to, Joshua has become more cautious and strategic. While this might seem like a natural evolution, many critics argue that it has made him less effective and hesitant in crucial fights.
Recent Performances Show a Different Joshua
Looking at Joshua’s recent fights, the signs of hesitation are clear
1. Loss to Oleksandr Usyk: A Hesitant Approach
Joshua suffered back-to-back defeats against Usyk, losing his heavyweight titles in the process
Instead of using his power advantage, he fought too carefully, allowing Usyk to control the pace
His lack of aggression was widely criticized, with many questioning if he still had the same hunger to dominate the division
2. Comeback Fights: Solid Wins but No Explosive Moments
Since his losses to Usyk, Joshua has fought Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius
While he won both fights, his performances lacked the killer instinct that made him a champion
He seemed more focused on playing it safe rather than going for a spectacular finish
3. Eddie Hearn’s Growing Concerns
As Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn has been one of his biggest supporters
However, in recent interviews, Hearn has hinted that Joshua might not be the same fighter mentally
This led to a crucial face-to-face meeting between the two, where the truth may have finally come out
The Meeting with Eddie Hearn: A Moment of Realization
Reports suggest that Joshua and Hearn recently had a private meeting to discuss the state of his career. This was not just a routine discussion; it was a moment where Joshua had to face the reality of his situation.
1. Hearn’s Honest Assessment
Hearn is a promoter who believes in his fighters, but he is also a businessman who needs results
Sources close to the situation reveal that Hearn expressed his concerns about Joshua’s current mindset
He allegedly told Joshua that fans and critics are questioning his passion for the sport
2. Joshua’s Possible Realization
Joshua reportedly listened carefully to Hearn’s words and did not argue
This could be a sign that he knows deep down that he has not been giving 100%
The question now is: why? What is preventing Joshua from fully committing to his fights?
Why Joshua Might Not Be Giving His All
There are several possible reasons why Anthony Joshua has not looked like the same unstoppable fighter of the past.
1. The Mental Toll of His Losses
Losing to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 was a major shock for Joshua
Even though he won the rematch, it changed his mindset—he became more cautious
The back-to-back defeats to Usyk may have deepened his self-doubt
2. Fear of Another Devastating Defeat
Before losing to Ruiz, Joshua had an aura of invincibility
Now, after multiple losses, he might be afraid of taking too many risks in the ring
Some fighters become too cautious after losses, which prevents them from fighting freely
3. Financial Security Reducing His Hunger
Joshua has already made millions from his boxing career and endorsements
Unlike younger fighters who are still building their legacy, he does not need to fight for financial survival
Could this have reduced his drive to take risks and go all-out in fights?
4. Too Much Focus on a ‘Perfect’ Boxing Style
Since working with different trainers, Joshua has focused on technical improvements
However, in doing so, he may have lost his natural fighting instincts
Instead of trusting his power and aggression, he is now trying to box too carefully
What This Means for Joshua’s Future
If Joshua truly understands that he is not giving 100%, the next step is what he does about it.
1. A New Mental Approach: Rediscovering His Killer Instinct
Joshua needs to break free from his hesitation and return to his natural fighting style
This means being more aggressive, taking risks, and trusting his power
2. The Right Opponents to Reignite His Passion
Joshua needs a fight that truly excites him, not just a tune-up bout
Possible exciting matchups include
Deontay Wilder: A high-stakes knockout war
Tyson Fury: A historic British heavyweight clash
A rematch with Usyk—One final shot at redemption
3. The Risk of Retirement if He Cannot Regain His Fire
If Joshua cannot find his hunger again, he might choose to walk away from the sport
Boxing is dangerous; if a fighter is not mentally 100% committed, they risk serious injury
If Joshua does not regain his confidence, retirement could become a real possibility
Conclusion: Joshua Must Decide His Future
Anthony Joshua’s recent meeting with Eddie Hearn may have been a turning point. After hearing the truth about his performances, Joshua must now decide what kind of fighter he wants to be.
Will he rediscover the fire that made him a champion and fight with full confidence again?
Or has his time at the top come to an end, with the possibility of an early retirement looming?
Whatever happens next, Joshua’s next move will define the rest of his legacy. The boxing world waits to see if he can prove once again that he is a true heavyweight force or if his best days are now behind him.
