Anthony Joshua and Martin Bacall pose for a face-off during the Ring Awards on Saturday in London, England.

Stardown in London

The intensity in the two-time former heavyweight champion Joshua's face-off with the highly ranked Bacall (21-1, 16 KOs) was interesting to watch. It was like AJ Trying to intimidate Bakole And send a message about what's in store for him if they ever meet inside the ring. These two are not expected to fight in 2025, and likely never will.

Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, said the plan is for AJ to fight Tyson Fury twice in 2025 and possibly a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois. Aaron would stop Joshua from fighting Bacall with every fiber of his being because he knew what would happen to AJ if the match happened.

If there is a fight with Bakol, it will be in 2026 under ideal circumstances. This would be after beating Joshua Fury twice and avenging his loss to Dubois. Beating Fury twice is realistic for AJ, but avenging his loss to Dubois is probably beyond what he can do given his age and poor punch resistance.

Turkish test

“As I would like to see it, but you have to make sure they are focused and they still have it,” said Turki Al-Sheikh of Carl Froch. YouTube Channell was asked if he would like to see Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury in 2025.

“It should be normal for us to lose some fights in boxing now. All fighters want to focus on Mayweather's career at zero losses. It can happen once every 50, 60, 70 years. We need UFC models now. Champions lose and win,” Turki says, in response to being told by Froch that Fury becomes depressed and moody. Froch says Fury is involved in a second loss to Oleksandr Usyk.

Turki Al-Sheikh's tone suggests he wants Joshua and Fury to win before the fight. How else would he find out if they”Are there still?” He cannot look them in the eye, speak to them, or touch their mitts. They have to fight someone better.

The best way to do this would be for Joshua to fight Bakole and Fury with Dubois. If the old fighters pass that test, you can say they “still have it” and it's worth it for the Turks to fund a fight between them.

News of war soon in Africa 👊❤️ @AntonioJoshua pic.twitter.com/DPLrHBpXyu

— Martin Bacole (@martinbacole01) January 11, 2025