Turki Alalshikh targets new opponent for Anthony Joshua after Fury retiremement
Share:
Anthony Joshua could now be on a collision course to finally face Deontay Wilder following the surprise retirement of Tyson Fury. Joshua is plotting his return to the ring later this year after suffering the fourth loss of his career in devastating fashion against Daniel Dubois last September.
![[RING Magazine Awards London]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192905145.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
AJ appeared to be finally set to face fellow British heavyweight and long-time rival Fury after his second successive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk late last year. However, those plans now appear up in the air after the Gypsy King announced his shock retirement from the sport earlier this week.
![[Anthony Joshua v Daniel Dubois: Riyadh Season - Wembley Edition]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2172790597.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
While Fury has walked back retirement announcements in the past, Saudi Arabia’s boxing kingpin Turki Alalshikh is already looking at new opponents for Joshua’s return. Speaking to talkSPORT on Thursday about potential new opponents for AJ, he said: ‘I want to see Joshua and [Deontay] Wilder now. If Tyson is not available, why not Joshua and Wilder?’.
![[5v5: Queensberry v Matchroom - Fight Night]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2155655175.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Despite both holding heavyweight titles for significant periods, a fight between Joshua and Wilder never materialised while both were in their prime. The pair finally looked set to meet last year but Wilder’s surprise defeat to Joshua Parker saw those plans scuppered, with Joshua eventually facing off against former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou instead.
