The former two-time world champion now sits at number two in the WBC rankings, a significant jump from his fifth-place position just a month ago. This boost comes despite Joshua's last fight ending in a loss to IBF world champion Daniel Dubois, where he was knocked down early and stopped in the fifth round.
Joshua's rise in the rankings isn't due to his own actions but rather changes in the heavyweight landscape. Agit Kabayel now holds the WBC Interim belt, while Zhilei Zhang and Martin Bakole dropped down after February losses. Only Lawrence Okolie, a former cruiserweight champion with just one heavyweight fight under his belt, ranks above Joshua in the WBC's latest list.
The rankings boost offers Joshua a potential route back to the top. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has suggested an interim title fight between Joshua and Kabayel as the best way forward. However, Kabayel's reputation as a dangerous body puncher could make this a risky proposition for Joshua.
"An interim title fight between Joshua and Kabayel makes the most sense right now," Sulaiman said. "It's the clearest path back to world title contention for Joshua, but Kabayel won't be an easy out."
Joshua's career has been on a downward trajectory since back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. He's picked up wins against Robert Helenius, Jermaine Franklin, Otto Wallin, and even UFC star Francis Ngannou in his boxing debut. But the loss to Dubois showed Joshua might be in the autumn of his career.
The heavyweight division remains in flux. Tyson Fury announced his retirement in early January after a second straight loss to Usyk, though some speculate this might be a negotiating tactic for a big-money fight with Joshua.
If Usyk, who currently holds the top spot in the WBC rankings, decides to retire soon, the full title could become vacant. This scenario would make an interim title even more valuable for Joshua's future prospects.
For now, Joshua's team must weigh their options carefully. A rematch with Dubois or the potential Kabayel fight both carry significant risks and rewards. The coming months will likely determine whether Joshua can reclaim his spot at the top of the heavyweight division or if his best days are behind him.