Anthony Joshua, the former heavyweight champion of the world, is at a critical juncture in his career. After two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, the British boxing superstar finds himself at a crossroads, with his legacy and future in the sport on the line. As Joshua looks to reclaim his position as one of boxing’s elite fighters, his next move will be crucial—some even argue that it could be the most dangerous of his career.

For AJ, it’s not just about who he faces next, but the manner in which he approaches this new chapter in his boxing journey. Will he take the necessary steps to reclaim his world title? Or will he risk further damage to his career and reputation? As the 34-year-old looks to rebuild, the stakes have never been higher.

The Aftermath of the Usyk Defeats

Anthony Joshua’s two losses to Oleksandr Usyk—first in 2021 and again in 2022—were damaging in more ways than one. While Usyk’s skill and technical boxing were undeniable, many believe Joshua’s failures were rooted in deeper issues, both inside and outside the ring. AJ seemed to struggle with his tactics and mindset in both encounters, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether he still has what it takes to be a top heavyweight.

The second loss, which saw Joshua throw away his belts in a fit of frustration after the final bell, raised serious questions about his mental state. Many observers have suggested that Joshua needs to find a new approach to his training, mindset, and even his boxing style in order to reassert himself as a legitimate title contender. After all, AJ’s previous reign as a champion was defined by his power and aggressive boxing style, but against Usyk, those attributes were often neutralized by the Ukrainian’s movement and boxing IQ.

The Dangerous Decision: Choosing His Next Opponent

Now, as Joshua aims to rebuild his career, his next move is a dangerous one. The decision about who he will face next is critical. Does he take on a risky, high-profile fight against another top contender to prove he can still compete at the highest level? Or does he opt for a less dangerous opponent to rebuild his confidence and work his way back up the rankings?

There’s an argument to be made for both approaches. A fight with a top-tier heavyweight—such as Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce, or even the long-rumored showdown with Tyson Fury—could give Joshua the chance to prove himself on the big stage once again. However, this also comes with considerable risk. Wilder, known for his devastating knockout power, is a fighter who could easily end Joshua’s hopes of returning to the top with just one punch. A loss to any of these fighters could derail Joshua’s comeback attempt and force him to reconsider his future in boxing.

On the other hand, taking a fight against a lower-tier opponent might provide Joshua with a much-needed victory and an opportunity to rebuild his confidence. A controlled and strategic victory could help Joshua regain some of the mental fortitude he seemed to lose in the Usyk bouts. But the risk here is that such a win could be seen as a step backward, and critics may argue that he’s avoiding the real challenges in the heavyweight division.

The Importance of His Mentality and Trainer

Another factor that makes Joshua’s next move so dangerous is his mentality. Following his losses to Usyk, Joshua has been vocal about his need to reinvent himself—mentally, emotionally, and tactically. Much has been made of his struggles in dealing with defeat, and his future success hinges on whether he can confront these issues head-on.

Joshua’s new partnership with trainer Derrick James—who has guided fighters like Errol Spence Jr. to world championships—has generated much excitement. James is known for his methodical, technical approach to boxing, and his influence could be key in helping Joshua find the right balance between power and technique in the ring. However, the question remains: will Joshua’s mental and emotional resilience be enough to absorb the lessons James teaches, and will he truly be able to adapt to a new style?

The psychological aspect of boxing is often underestimated, but it plays a huge role in a fighter’s ability to bounce back from adversity. If Joshua can maintain a calm, focused approach and shed the pressure of trying to live up to his former self, he could regain his spot at the top. But if his mental game continues to falter under the weight of expectations, the dangers of his next move become even more apparent.

The Road to Redemption

Joshua’s path back to the top of the heavyweight division is fraught with challenges. The division is as competitive as ever, with champions like Usyk, Fury, and rising contenders like Joe Joyce and Deontay Wilder all vying for dominance. But if Joshua can find his rhythm and get his career back on track, he could still be a force in the division.

The dangerous aspect of his next move is not just the opponent he picks, but how he approaches the fight. A loss at this stage of his career could mark the beginning of the end for AJ, while a win could reignite the hype around him and set him up for a potential title shot in the future.

Ultimately, it’s not just about who he faces next—it’s about how he deals with the pressure, how he handles the emotional and mental challenges, and whether he can adapt to new techniques and strategies. If Joshua makes the right adjustments, he could still be one of the top names in boxing. But if he fails to make the necessary changes, his career could be in jeopardy.

Conclusion: Anthony Joshua’s High-Risk, High-Reward Moment

Anthony Joshua’s next move is a defining one. Whether he faces a top-tier heavyweight like Wilder or Fury or takes a lower-profile fight to rebuild, the danger lies not just in the opponent, but in how he mentally and physically prepares for the challenges ahead. The boxing world will be watching closely to see if AJ can regain the form that once made him the face of British boxing or if his legacy will be defined by missed opportunities and controversial setbacks.

For Joshua, this is a high-risk, high-reward situation. The path to redemption is unclear, but his next fight will be a pivotal moment in his career. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and if he’s to return to the top, he must prove that he can overcome the psychological and physical barriers that have hindered him in the past.