Anthony Joshua retirement plan explained ahead of Daniel Dubois fight

Anthony Joshua has been fighting professionally for over a decade but is not quite ready to hang up his gloves ahead of tonight's clash with Daniel Dubois

Anthony Joshua may only have two years left in his career as a potential retirement date has been set.

The 34 year old boxer turned his fortunes around last year by winning three consecutive fights and continued this winning streak by knocking out former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in March. Joshua is aiming to become a three-time heavyweight world champion tonight when he takes on Daniel Dubois at Wembley.

Eddie Hearn, the boss of Matchroom Boxing who promotes Joshua, is confident Joshua will beat Dubois at the national stadium before retiring in two years. Hearn told PA about Joshua's retirement plans: "I think maybe the end of 2026," He added: "If he wins in September and beats Fury or Usyk to become undisputed then what else do you do? It could even be next year, who knows? He'll want to continue while he's performing and right now he's the best ever. He wants legacy, greatness.

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk's rematch will take place in December and Hearn thinks 'AJ' will be next in line for the winner if he wins in September. "I expect the winner of the December fight to fight Joshua, if he wins in September. The first priority is regain the world heavyweight title and obviously undisputed's always been the dream. So I think we're two fights away from becoming undisputed. But, we've got to win them," he said.

Providing an update this week, Hearn told talkSPORT: "Everything changes after every fight, but I think I've never seen him enjoy boxing so much. The preparation, the team. It's simple but effective. I think he's really found his rhythm with Ben [Davison] and the camp there. And I think if you look back after the Oleksandr Usyk fights you might have said, 'How many more fights? Three? Five?' Well we've had four since then and now we're saying five [more] still. It's always fight by fight."

Joshua, meanwhile, who can join an exclusive group of three-time champions including Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Muhammad Ali, Vitali Klitschko and Michael Moorer, insists he is no rush to hang up his gloves. "Loads," Joshua responded when asked how many years are left in his boxing career.

"It’s not the physical side, I’m strong as an ox, I’m good. I’m fit, very fit. I spar loads, I’m probably sparring more than I’ve ever sparred when I was champion so I’m pushing myself further. It’s just if I’m mentally hungry enough to do it, how long am I mentally ready to go into battle."