IBF champion Filip Hrgovic says Anthony Joshua should retire after Fury fight, questions AJ’s confidence
Newly crowned IBF heavyweight champion Filip Hrgovic has told The Stomping Ground he believes Anthony Joshua lacks confidence, suggesting Joshua should retire after his December meeting with Tyson Fury.
Filip Hrgovic, the newly crowned IBF heavyweight champion, has told The Stomping Ground he believes Anthony Joshua should consider retirement after his December fight with Tyson Fury. Hrgovic told the outlet he thinks Joshua has lost confidence, changes coaches too often, and may be taking the big fight for financial reasons. Hrgovic added that Joshua only has a 'puncher’s chance' against Fury, pointing to Joshua’s criticised July win over Kristian Prenga as evidence he offers limited hope.
IBF champion questions Joshua’s confidence and coaching changes
Speaking to The Stomping Ground, Filip Hrgovic said Anthony Joshua has repeatedly changed coaches — Hrgovic put the figure at around 20 — and suggested the problem is psychological rather than technical. "If you are not in a good place with yourself, no coach can help you," Hrgovic told the outlet. He argued that frequent staffing changes are not the core issue and that Joshua has lost confidence. Hrgovic framed the situation as one where a coach, no matter their pedigree, cannot compensate if a fighter is not mentally prepared.
Hrgovic: Joshua should retire after Fury if he takes the payday
Hrgovic told The Stomping Ground that he believes Joshua is likely taking the Fury fight for financial reasons and said, "After this fight, I think that he should retire." He added that if Joshua secures "a crazy amount of money" in the next fight, then taking that payday and stepping away would be understandable. Hrgovic did not rule out the inherent unpredictability of boxing, saying there is always a "puncher’s chance", but stressed he saw little prospect for Joshua based on recent performances.
Hrgovic cites Joshua’s July win over Kristian Prenga as a concern
Hrgovic referred specifically to Joshua’s July return against Kristian Prenga. Although the result was recorded as a second-round stoppage for Joshua, Hrgovic noted the fight drew widespread criticism after Joshua was dropped twice in the opening round. He used that performance to underscore his view that Joshua’s chances against Fury are limited and to support his wider argument about Joshua’s lack of self-belief.
Davison reunion and Fury date confirmed — but coaching role unclear
Boxing News reports Joshua has reunited with Ben Davison, a former Tyson Fury trainer whom Joshua previously worked with for fights against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, Francis Ngannou and Daniel Dubois. It is currently unknown whether Davison will serve as Joshua’s head coach or join a wider team that includes Iegor Golub. Fury vs Joshua is slated for Friday 11 December at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with the event to be broadcast live on Netflix.