Last weekend, Joshua was unsuccessful in attempting to regain his world titles when he was outpointed by the brilliant Oleksandr Usyk in 12 rounds. In the fight’s immediate aftermath, it was revealed that ‘AJ’ could return to the ring later this year. 

With Dillian Whyte and Deontay Wilder mentioned as potential opponents, Joshua will enter the ring for the first time since 2015 without a world title being on the line.  

Although this was not part of Joshua’s grand plan, Bellew insists that fighting with that little less pressure attached could bring improvements to Joshua. 

“The weight of the world is off his shoulders,” said Bellew when speaking on The DAZN Boxing Show regarding Joshua moving forward.  

“We’ll see a different man the next time he gets in that ring because what’s the worst thing that can happen? This boy is not finished, and he has a long way left.”