Anthony Joshua claims he didn’t once contemplate retirement after falling short against Oleksandr Usyk for a second time last year.
Many worried for ‘AJ’s future after not only the defeat to Usyk, but also his post fight antics which seemed to be those of a fighter who was struggling.
However, when asked by ID Boxing whether hanging up the gloves ever crossed his mind, Joshua was honest and defiant in his response.
“No no no. One thing I always remember is, I’m a fighter for life, fighter for life. This is a commitment that I’ve made.”
“So not right now.”
Joshua will look get back to winning ways in his recently announced comeback bout against Jermaine Franklin on April 1st.
Franklin gave a solid account of himself in defeat to old Joshua foe Dillian Whyte last November in London, and many ringside observers actually thought the American was hard done by to not get the nod from the three scoring judges that night.
Returning to the 02 Arena for the first time since he himself fought Whyte, the contest will also be Joshua’s first outing under new trainer Derrick James.
James currently boasts the likes of Jermell Charlo and Errol Spence Jr in his stable, and former unified world champion Joshua has relocated to Dallas, Texas to prepare for the Franklin fight.
Though he goes into clash a firm favourite, it is seen as one that Joshua simply must win if he is to have aspirations of becoming three time heavyweight champion of the world.
Should he get past Franklin, a stadium rematch with Whyte looks set for the summer, 8 years on from when the pair first locked horns in a memorable fight for the British title.