AFCON 2025
Anthony Joshua has been dealt a brutal setback after being dropped from the IBF heavyweight rankings just months before his planned return to the ring.
The former two-time world champion, who has not fought since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024, has lost his No. 5 position due to over a year of inactivity.
Joshua underwent elbow surgery after that defeat, delaying his comeback and leaving him without a ranking in one of boxing’s key sanctioning bodies.
Rising star, Moses Itauma has now moved into Joshua’s vacated slot, joining Derek Chisora, Efe Ajagba and Frank Sanchez in the IBF top five. To compound matters, Joshua is also absent from the WBA’s latest rankings, though he remains No. 3 with the WBC and No. 7 with the WBO.
Despite the blow, promoter Eddie Hearn insists Joshua’s career is far from over. Plans are in place for a carefully chosen comeback fight in early 2026, with a potential blockbuster against Tyson Fury or another top name in the summer.
Several opponents have been linked with the Briton’s return, including Tony Yoka, while talks have also been held with Jake Paul over a shock crossover bout. Speculation about a clash with Andre Ward, who hinted at coming out of retirement, has been dismissed by Joshua himself.
