Two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is scheduled to have elbow surgery later in May.
Joshua was recently in Riyadh at The Venue Riyadh Season, witnessing Canelo Alvarez`s undisputed super middleweight title defense against William Scull.
While attending an undercard fight between Badou Jack and Norair Mikaeljan, Joshua was interviewed by DAZN reporter Claudio Trejos about his ring return. Quoted with a smile, Joshua stated, “When do you want me back, people? I’m working to get my body right. I’m having minor surgery on my elbow sometime in May – we’re finalizing details. It’ll keep me out of the gym for six to eight weeks, but once I’m healed, I’ll be back doing what I do best: working on my double jabs, triple jabs, head movement, and footwork. We’ll stay active.”
This surgery comes eight months after Joshua`s last bout, a tough fifth-round knockout loss to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois. That defeat ended the former Olympic gold medallist`s immediate bid to become a three-time world champion, a status held by legends like Muhammad Ali, Lennox Lewis, and Evander Holyfield.
As Joshua (record: 28-4, 25 KOs) focuses on recovery, his past opponents Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk are scheduled to fight on July 19 at Wembley Stadium for the undisputed heavyweight title. Concurrently, his notable rival, Tyson Fury, has suggested a potential return to the ring after previously announcing retirement. Therefore, fans hoping to see Joshua back in action will probably need to wait until late 2025.
