Anthony Joshua stands on the brink of history, but with that comes enormous pressure. While no boxer is immune to defeat, Joshua simply cannot afford to lose at this crucial moment in his career. He is on the cusp of becoming the first fighter outside of North America and Europe to claim the heavyweight title three times. If successful, he will also join an elite group of just four boxers, living or dead, who have achieved this historic feat. This makes his upcoming bouts pivotal—not just for his legacy, but for the sport.
The list of fighters who have won the heavyweight title three or more times is incredibly short, and each name represents an iconic chapter in boxing history. Muhammad Ali was the first to achieve the distinction of being a three-time heavyweight champion, claiming his titles through legendary victories over Sonny Liston, George Foreman, and Leon Spinks. Ali’s tenacity and ability to reclaim his position as the top fighter in the world, even after setbacks, set the bar high for future champions.
Lennox Lewis also earned his place in this elite group, although his path was unique. Lewis became champion when Riddick Bowe, then the reigning titleholder, refused to fight him. However, Lewis’s later victories over Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman solidified his status as a three-time world champion, proving his resilience and ability to dominate the heavyweight division across different eras.
Evander Holyfield, meanwhile, holds an even more extraordinary achievement as the only boxer to win the heavyweight title four times. His victories over Buster Douglas, a majority decision win against Riddick Bowe, a shocking upset against Mike Tyson, and a final win over John Ruiz cemented his place as one of the greatest heavyweights in history. Each of Holyfield’s victories showcased not just his skill but his remarkable ability to rise to the occasion, regardless of the odds stacked against him.
It is within this elite company that Joshua now seeks to belong. The stakes are incredibly high, and while many believe the odds are in his favor, anyone familiar with the sport knows that favorable odds do not guarantee victory. In boxing, anything can happen once the bell rings. Joshua’s recent performances have shown significant improvement, and reports suggest that he is mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead. His dedication to refining his skills, combined with his renewed focus, places him in a strong position to achieve his goal.
Joshua’s next fights are more than just a battle for titles; they represent his chance to carve his name alongside boxing legends like Ali, Lewis, and Holyfield. If he wins, he will not only make history as the first non-North American or European to win the heavyweight title three times, but he will also join the ranks of the sport’s all-time greats. Achieving this would be a monumental accomplishment, solidifying his legacy as one of the best heavyweights of his generation.
However, the path to victory is far from guaranteed. Boxing is unpredictable, and the pressure of such a historic moment can affect even the most seasoned fighters. But Joshua seems to be in the right frame of mind, focused on the task at hand. His improvements in the ring, coupled with his mental preparation, make him a formidable opponent for anyone standing in his way.
In conclusion, this is a defining moment in Anthony Joshua’s career. He has the chance to make history, but with that opportunity comes immense pressure. A loss now could derail his ambitions, while a victory would immortalize him as one of the sport’s greatest. While no fighter is invincible, Joshua has shown that he is ready for the challenge. If he can capitalize on this moment, he will join an exclusive league of boxers who have reached the pinnacle of the sport multiple times—a remarkable achievement for any athlete.
