Anthony Joshua is entering a rather odd phase of his career. He was once the dominant force of the heavyweight division. Now, after a big loss, he’s rebuilding a career that was filled with uncertainty.
Recent victories have been a cause for celebration, and many have started calling the momentum a revival. In this article, we’ll try to answer whether Joshua is really back among the elite fighters and if such a comeback is even possible.
Where Joshua Stands in 2026
Joshua is no longer a rising star, as he was from 2016 to 2019 when he was at his best. Sharp highs and sudden setbacks have defined the career. The biggest of such setbacks were the shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. and two losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
However, Joshua also had a few wins recently. According to the odds made by crypto sports betting sites, he’s a favorite to win most of his fights. Sites such as these allow players to wager which is faster and less expensive than doing it with fiat money. Betting sites also allow the players to place wagers on match outcomes, but also on any other measurable statistics. However, at the time, Joshua also held no titles and was now in a transitional space, despite the wins.
The Original March Plan — And What It Meant
Originally, the team behind Joshua planned a big fight for March of 2026 to jumpstart a campaign. It wasn’t supposed to be a risky fight, but one that would serve as a control test. It would allow the fighter to sharpen timing and rebuild rhythm after periods of inactivity.
Promoters have also suggested there will be another big fight in the second half of the year, and that it will be a major event in a huge stadium. Therefore, the March match would, in a way, be a preparation for a truly big fight. The two events combined show that Joshua could handle activity and sustain a title push.
Momentum vs. Level of Opposition
Recent victories have helped Joshua gain confidence and momentum. However, the opponents have also claimed that those victories have been against lesser opponents who don’t meet the standards Joshua is used to. However, such a strategy isn’t unorthodox for former champions.
Dominant performances against mid-tier opponents restore belief, but there’s a double edge to that approach. Fighters get overconfident, and once they face an opponent of that stature, they end up falling back to where they started. For Joshua, the contrast is clear: the optics suggest progress, but his defeat still casts a shadow.
Technical Signs of Improvement
Recent performance has shown great progress. He adopted a calmer approach to fighting, managed his pace throughout the match, and avoided being overly aggressive, a problem before. Defensive awareness has improved, with smarter positioning and more disciplined shot selection.
Weight management and conditional training have also improved. Experts feel that it’s these changes that have allowed Joshua to improve his strategy and overall approach to fighting. The changes, in aggregate, suggest that the fighter is evolving and improving.
Physical and Mental Unknowns
There are still factors that could affect Joshua’s trajectory besides the training and effort. There were a lot of gaps between his fights, and now, in his mid-thirties, physical shortcomings could cost Joshua the big fight. At this stage of a career, recovery cycles are longer, and physical durability becomes a growing concern.
Other than that, there are mental issues to take into account since the state of mind is often what wins the fights. It’s not uncommon for fighters to live with high expectations, but maintaining focus during rebuilding periods is critical.
The Heavyweight Landscape: A Tough Path Back
The modern heavyweight landscape isn’t made for a gradual improvement; it’s a very tough competition. Oleksandr Usyk remains the standard at the top. Contenders have emerged over the years, and they usually come and go so that Joshua could end up the same way.
A potential blockbuster fight with Tyson Fury would be a huge commercial success, but such matchups would require both fighters to be at their peak. Fighters like Daniel Dubois and other rising contenders will also be formidable obstacles on that road. Joshua will need a decisive win over a big opponent to move on.
Verdict: Revival or Momentum?
Joshua’s comeback has a lot of promise, but it’s still difficult to say that it’s actually a change that could bring him back to the top. The positives are all there: composure, technique, and solid conditioning. At the same time, the problems of age, inactivity, and absence persist, and it’s not clear whether Joshua has addressed them.
The opponents Joshua beat were of lower quality, and this year should be the first with a real challenge. The fight in March will be the real test, and if he manages to secure a clear win against a more serious opponent, we could talk about a true revival.