In a candid revelation that’s sent shockwaves through the boxing world, former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has admitted he’s been battling a hidden injury, confessing, “I can’t punch properly.” The British boxing star confirmed he’s scheduled to undergo surgery, shedding light on a nagging issue that may have affected his recent performances in the ring.
Joshua, known for his explosive power and sculpted physique, stunned fans in a recent interview by revealing he’s been carrying a persistent hand injury. Despite maintaining a strong run in recent bouts — including his dominant knockout win over Francis Ngannou — the 34-year-old says he’s been masking pain behind the scenes.
“I haven’t been able to punch properly for a while,” Joshua admitted. “But I had to keep pushing. Now it’s time to get it fixed.”
Though Joshua didn’t disclose the exact nature of the injury, insiders believe it’s a chronic issue affecting his right hand — his knockout weapon. The announcement now puts a pause on his much-anticipated return to the ring, possibly delaying a showdown with the winner of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Just as Joshua appeared poised to reclaim his spot atop the heavyweight throne, his body is demanding a reset. The upcoming surgery, expected to take place in the coming weeks, is aimed at ensuring full recovery and restoring his trademark punching power.
“I’ve been fighting through it. But you can’t go into war half-ready,” Joshua said. “This surgery is just the beginning of the next chapter. I’ll be back stronger — and smarter.”
Fans have reacted with a mixture of surprise and support. Many praised Joshua’s transparency and resilience, recognizing the physical toll of high-level boxing. Promoters and trainers, too, have echoed optimism, suggesting the downtime may actually prolong his career.
Joshua’s medical setback temporarily reshuffles the deck in a heavyweight division that’s been heating up with potential unification fights and crossover clashes. With the Fury-Usyk saga finally taking shape and rising contenders like Jared Anderson and Zhilei Zhang making waves, the Brit’s recovery timeline could define the matchmaking puzzle for late 2025 and beyond.
However, AJ’s camp insists the goal remains unchanged: reclaiming championship gold.
“He’s never ducked a challenge, never made excuses,” said one source close to the fighter. “He just wants to come back 100%.”
This isn’t the first time Joshua has had to reinvent himself. From his shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 to his measured comeback wins, the Watford-born warrior has shown an ability to adapt under pressure. This latest hurdle, while daunting, may be yet another test of his evolution — both as an athlete and as a man.
For now, fans will have to wait — but Joshua’s message is clear: the break is only temporary, and the comeback will be intentional.
