Boxing

‘I Can See the Finish Line’ – Adesanya Targets 2027 Retirement Set For Joe Pyfer Clash in March

Published

2 weeks ago

February 12, 2026

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has revealed he is targeting a potential retirement from mixed martial arts by 2027, admitting that the end of his storied career is now firmly in sight.

The 36-year-old made the disclosure on his YouTube channel ahead of his next bout against Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle on March 28.

“I can see the finish line,” Adesanya said. “I’ve been seeing the finish line in the distance, but now it’s closer.”

Adesanya explained that he expects to have fewer than 10 fights left, outlining a plan to compete roughly twice a year, a schedule that would bring his UFC journey to a close within the next two years.

“2028 is going to be like, I don’t know yet. I can’t see past 2027,” he added.

The Nigerian-born New Zealand-based fighter heads into the clash with Pyfer on a three-fight losing streak and will be entering the Octagon as a betting underdog for the first time in his professional career.

Adesanya also revealed that he was close to returning to action in October 2025 at UFC Vancouver, where he was in advanced talks to face former ONE Championship double champion Reinier de Ridder. However, a gym injury forced him to withdraw from the bout.

“I was going to fight last year, but then I got injured in the gym, and then that opportunity got taken away,” he said.

While initially disappointed, Adesanya now believes the setback worked in his favour, allowing him additional time to recover fully from his knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov in Saudi Arabia in February 2024.

He admitted that the prospect of facing a grappler like De Ridder on short notice was appealing, as it presented a challenge he had not previously encountered during his UFC career. Brendan Allen eventually replaced Adesanya to face De Ridder.

Looking ahead,

Adesanya remains focused on his return against Pyfer and believes the extended recovery period has better prepared him for the contest.

The former champion has also ruled out a move to professional boxing after retirement, despite his reputation as one of the most accomplished strikers in MMA history, stating that he prefers having access to all aspects of his skill set.

Adesanya further criticised the current state of the UFC middleweight division, describing it as “bland” compared to the era when he dominated the weight class.

Holder of the second-longest winning streak in middleweight history behind Anderson Silva,

The Last Stylebender believes the division has lost much of the excitement it once had during his reign at the top.

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Boxing

Anthony Joshua Receives Vote Of Confidence From His Extended Family

Published

4 days ago

February 26, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Nigerian-born former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has received a vote of confidence from his extended family, who are ready to support any decision he takes regarding his career.

Sports247 gathered that, while many lovers of boxing are still worried that ‘AJ’ may not be emotionally and psychologically stable to step back into the ring, the boxer appears eager to continue his career.

Speculation is still on about Joshua’s next line of action, following the fatal accident he survived on December 29th in Ogun State, but lost two of his closest friends, as his promoter, Eddie Hearn is already making plans for the boxer’s next fight.

Hearn recently revealed that he is targeting a July return for the 36-year-old Joshua, won a gold medal for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games and soon became world heavyweight champion in the professional ranks.

The former two-time champ has also returned to training and repeatedly said he wants to honour his late friends by continuing his career, but some critics insist he should quit in order not to aggravate the trauma.

In reaction to the raging debate, AJ’s oldest uncle at his ancestral roots in Sagamu, Mr Ademola Joshua said the entire family respects the boxer’s choices and they will fully support him in whatever he decides to do.

Ademola added, “We are proud of him, very proud of him. He makes the full decision, and we have full respect for him, whatever he decides. Whatever he has decided within himself, we will support him fully.”

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Boxing

Eddie Hearn Confirms Anthony Joshua Targeting July Comeback

Published

4 days ago

February 26, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Prominent boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua is focused on returning to full training, with a possible comeback pencilled in for around July.

Speaking on Joshua’s current situation, Hearn revealed that there are no immediate plans for a fight, stressing that the priority is getting the Nigerian-born British boxer back to peak physical condition before any bout discussions take place.

“AJ’s focus right now is getting back into training properly,” Hearn said. “He’s not ready to enter a full camp yet, and there’s no rush. The most important thing is that he feels right physically.”

Hearn dismissed speculation linking Joshua to an immediate showdown with long-time rival Tyson Fury, clarifying that such a fight is not on the table at this moment.

“Tyson Fury is not the next opponent. Nothing has been finalised. Until AJ is back in full training and feeling comfortable, it wouldn’t make sense to talk about names,” he explained.

According to Hearn, Joshua is most at ease when fully immersed in training, and that phase is expected to begin in the coming months.

“He’s happiest when he’s in the gym, working hard, improving himself. Once he’s back in that rhythm, then we’ll start looking at options around the world,” Hearn added.

The promoter noted that a tentative July timeline is realistic if everything progresses smoothly, but insisted that no pressure will be placed on the former champion.

“If July works, great. If it needs to be later, that’s fine too. We’re not forcing anything. This is about longevity and coming back the right way,” he said.

Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion, has remained one of boxing’s biggest global attractions despite recent setbacks. Hearn believes that with patience and proper preparation, the next chapter of Joshua’s career can still be a successful one.

“He’s still got so much to give to the sport. The key now is doing things properly and giving himself the best chance when he does return,” Hearn concluded

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Boxing

Ajagba Declares Readiness to Face Heavyweight Elite After Martin Knockout

Published

1 week ago

February 22, 2026

Kenny Malone

Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has declared his readiness to face the biggest names in the heavyweight division, insisting he is prepared to take on any opponent in the top tier of world boxing.

Ajagba made the bold declaration after recording an emphatic knockout victory over former world champion Charles Martin, a result that has reignited discussions around his place among boxing’s elite.

Speaking after the fight, the Nigerian said he now feels mentally and physically ready to challenge the very best in the division.

“I’m ready for anyone,” Ajagba said. “Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder – whoever is in the top 10. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

The 29-year-old explained that a potential showdown with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk had previously been discussed but failed to materialise due to circumstances beyond his control.

According to Ajagba, a draw in an earlier bout stalled his momentum at the time, but he believes that chapter is now firmly behind him.

“The Usyk fight didn’t happen before, but that’s in the past,” he said. “What matters is now. I’m focused and ready.”

Ajagba admitted that he underestimated Charles Martin going into the contest but credited his ability to apply sustained pressure for the decisive outcome.

He revealed that staying patient and trusting his power were key to securing his first knockout win since 2023.

“I put a lot of pressure on him,” Ajagba added. “Once I found my rhythm, I knew the knockout would come.”

The Nigerian powerhouse believes his recent performances show significant growth in his boxing intelligence, composure and confidence.

He stressed that he is no longer rushing his development and is fully prepared for the challenges that come with facing the sport’s biggest stars.

Ajagba also acknowledged the competitive nature of the heavyweight division, noting that every top fighter presents a unique test. However, he insisted that his mindset has shifted from potential to certainty.

“I believe in myself now more than ever,” he said. “I’ve put in the work, and I know what I bring into the ring.”

With renewed momentum and growing confidence, Ajagba’s declaration signals his ambition to move from contender status to genuine title challenger, as Nigerian boxing fans eagerly await his next move on the global stage.

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