Anthony Joshua’s future in boxing remains uncertain, but he is being urged to consider a new combat sports venture.
Anthony Joshua has had some impressive nights in the ring across his career so far.
From claiming wins over the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Joseph Parker, to going the distance with Oleksandr Usyk twice.
The last time the former two-time heavyweight champion was in action was his controversial outing against Jake Paul.
But shortly after his victory, Joshua was involved in a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends.
He is still recovering, both physically and mentally, from the accident.
During his hiatus from the sport, he spent time with Islam Makhachev this month, and the pair quickly struck up a bond.
A clip of their conversation went viral, with ‘AJ’ saying he loves Makhachev’s famous line: ‘Send him to Dagestan for two-three years and forget.’
According to Makhachev, the Watford powerhouse even wants to create merchandise featuring the phrase.
The UFC welterweight champion told Arena Fight TV: “He showed me and said, ‘I want to make T-shirts,'”
“I told him, ‘OK, I’ll give you a product for you to make, and you have to also come to Dagestan to improve your wrestling.’
“This guy is huge with very good striking – he’s one of the best boxers in the world.
“If this big guy improved his wrestling, can you imagine how good he’d be in MMA?”
The Briton has certainly rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest MMA stars and was also in attendance at the PFL’s first show of 2026 in Dubai.
He was spotted backstage with members of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s entourage, before watching the Russian star’s cousin defend his lightweight title.
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