Anthony Joshua has been faraway from the most recent IBF heavyweight rankings, whereas Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba and Moses Itauma have moved up the record.
Joshua, a former two-time world champion, has not fought since his fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024. He turned down an opportunity for a direct rematch and as a substitute had elbow surgical procedure. In the meantime, Dubois later misplaced his IBF title to Oleksandr Usyk.
Joshua was rumoured to be planning a struggle with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul early subsequent 12 months, however Paul is now set to struggle Gervonta Davis in an exhibition match in November.
With no confirmed opponent, the IBF has now dropped Joshua from its rankings, the place he was beforehand ranked sixth.
Usyk stays the IBF champion, with Derek Chisora and Ajagba sitting in second and third locations. Itauma is now fifth, after defeating Dillian Whyte final month. Dubois is in seventh.
Joshua is just not anticipated to return to the ring earlier than the top of 2025, with a comeback doubtless in early 2026.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, says Joshua’s subsequent struggle will doubtless be a warm-up bout earlier than a giant showdown.
“I don’t assume it’ll be in December,” Hearn mentioned. “He’s again in coaching after elbow surgical procedure. Huge fights take time to rearrange, and each AJ struggle is a giant occasion.”
There have been talks about Joshua combating in Ghana, which might be his first struggle again.
“There’s been a proposal to struggle in Ghana. It could be unbelievable for AJ to struggle in Africa,” Hearn added.
“In the event that they need to go in January or February, that might work. However there’s no rush, although he’s been out of the ring for practically a 12 months.”
Hearn additionally commented on the doable struggle with Jake Paul, saying it is determined by what occurs in Paul’s match with Gervonta Davis.
“We spoke to Jake Paul’s group. They need to struggle AJ after the Davis exhibition,” he mentioned.
“But when Jake will get knocked out, then we will’t go forward. Although it’s simply an exhibition, we have now to attend and see.”
Regardless of the uncertainty, Hearn mentioned Joshua continues to be targeted on having one remaining, career-defining struggle.
“His subsequent struggle shall be a warm-up. Then we need to go all-in for a giant struggle — ideally towards Tyson Fury. If not him, then one of many prime 5 heavyweights,” he mentioned.
