The rise of boxers suffering damage after their retirement is a problem that needs to be addressed. Boxing greats such as Joe Louis developed dementia, while Sugar Ray Robinson died with Alzheimer’s disease. Joshua’s career has been marked by less punishment since he usually stops opponents. His record is 28-3, which includes 25 KOs. His last fight was a second-round KO win over Francis Ngannou, a shot that could have long-term damage. Joshua has made enough to secure generational wealth once he retires. Now, he wants to give back by having a place that will provide care to boxers who have suffered extensive damage.

Joshua’s Venture

“They suffer by themselves, so we’ve been speaking about opening up a care home. That would be part of my boxing legacy – that I gave something back to the sport that made me. The one thing I would hope for is to keep my health intact. Because it’s your health that is the most important thing you’re ­putting on the line. We can notice it in fighters when their health is deteriorating, but we never actually talk about it among ourselves. All we focus on is winning,” Joshua said 

One problem which has become an issue is the rise of chronic traumatic brain injury (CTE). 20 percent of boxers get CTE. A study by Cardiff University also said boxers are at a bigger risk of dementia. Yet, boxers still fight in their later stages after they have retired. Mike Tyson pulled out of his fight against Jake Paul on July 20 due to an inflamed ulcer.

However, despite those health concerns, the fight has been rescheduled for November 15. Tyson is well into his late 50s. The same can be said for Evander Holyfield. He also returned in 2021 to face Victor Belfort. The fight was stopped in the first round after Holyfield was dropped after sustained punishment. Joshua has said he will walk away from the sport in the next two years as he hopes to keep his faculties intact.

Joshua’s Advice

“If I weren’t boxing I’d be quarter of the man I am, it’s made me really astute, intelligent, built my character, strong minded, strong-willed, it’s really helped me. It doesn’t take a lot out of me, it don’t, I promise you. Health is important in this sport but that’s why you’ve got to train hard, that’s why you’ve got to train smart. We spar a lot, that’s why you’ve got to be good, if you’re not good enough you shouldn’t do it because it’s so detrimental to your health,” Joshua added

AJ’s return will also be announced soon. He is expected to headline in September at Wembley. The leading name for his opponent is currently Daniel Dubois. Dubois stopped Filip Hrgovic in his last fight to become the IBF Interim Heavyweight Champion. Joshua knows a win over Dubois makes him mandatory for the winner of the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch, which is currently for undisputed. Eddie Hearn expects Joshua’s next fight to be announced soon.

“We’re pretty close. Maybe. It’s going to be a short fight, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy fight. I don’t think this goes past six. It doesn’t mean AJ doesn’t have to come through some adversity because what we’ve seen is Daniel Dubois has gotten over that hump,” Hearn stated 

Comments

Great idea that.

— MOGUL⁴MOGUL (@Moguleke) June 23, 2024

I hope AJ succeeds. A noble aspiration.

— Rocky Marciano (fan) (@MrRockyMarciano) June 23, 2024