Oleksandr Usyk vs Anthony Joshua 2: Retirement 'definitely' on the cards for AJ (exclusive)

Carl Froch believes Anthony Joshua may retire from boxing should he lose to Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia.

AJ will bid to win the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight titles from the undefeated Ukrainian in a do-or-die rematch in a few days’ time at the Jeddah Superdome.

The two will square off for the second time this weekend in the Middle East with plenty on the line for both.

A defeat for Joshua would mean three losses in his last five and two straight to the former undisputed cruiserweight world champion.

ALL THE INFO: Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk 2: Date, Card, UK Start Time, Ring Walks, Tickets, Live Stream, Odds and More

When asked if Joshua could retire if he loses, Froch exclusively told GiveMeSport.com: “No absolutely, I think depending on how he loses retirement is definitely an option.

“He has been massively successful. He is financially secure. He has absolutely nailed it.

“He beat the Matrix. He’s smashed life hasn’t he? Look at what he’s done.

“He’s worth an absolute fortune, he’s got his health, and he’s been a world champion.

“And, you know, he’s dared to be great, and one time he was great, he had all the belts.

“That win against Klitschko was amazing and he defended them a few times. It just started falling apart when he got beat by Ruiz. He’s trying to come back now and get back into it.

“I know he beat Ruiz in the rematch, got his belts back in the rematch, but since that loss to Ruiz I feel like something was taken away from him.

“It took a part of his belief – I don’t want to say his soul or his spirit because it’s probably a bit too deep – but I’ve not seen AJ doing anything since where I’m thinking to myself this guy is the type of guy that could beat someone like Tyson