Eddie Hearn, promoter for Anthony Joshua, has announced that the former heavyweight world champion is expected to fight again before the end of the year. His previous bout at Wembley Stadium ended in a devastating loss to IBF champion Daniel Dubois, preventing him from becoming a three-time champion like Lennox Lewis. A previously mentioned opponent for Joshua`s return seems unlikely now.
Following recent elbow surgery last month, Hearn stated on the Ariel X Ade show that the 35-year-old fighter is preparing to get back into training. Hearn confirmed, “Anthony Joshua will return.” He added, “I spoke extensively with his team. He`s starting to consider scheduling a fight for later this year, specifically October, November, or December. We anticipate a significant conclusion to the year.”
Although Tyson Fury retired in January, speculation about a potential major British clash with Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) continues. Hearn currently expects Joshua to compete later this year, but indicated that a previously considered rival is no longer the likely opponent. Hearn commented, “Dillian Whyte was frankly the most probable candidate. It seems he`s now set to face Moses Itauma, which was unexpected.”
Other potential opponents mentioned include Jared Anderson and the soon-to-return Deontay Wilder. Hearn noted, “By the time AJ fights again, he will have been out of the ring for over a year and will be recovering from surgery. I don`t believe Fury will be ready to fight during that period anyway. I anticipate his opponent will be someone who prepares him for a significant bout in 2026.”
Joshua`s loss to Dubois led some to question if his career was nearing its conclusion. Hearn conceded that retirement is a possibility for the Matchroom star, suggesting a potential plan. Hearn stated, “His final year in boxing will likely be 2026. That`s possibly about three fights away.” He added, “If I were advising AJ, we`d return this year and then have two fights against Tyson Fury. What else is left? Maybe fight Daniel Dubois? In my opinion, once AJ fights Tyson Fury, he`ll have accomplished everything.”
“I`d also like to see him fight Dubois again and Usyk again, but it just keeps going,” Hearn continued. “However, if he`s still performing strongly next year, then 2026 might not be his last year. Personally, it feels fitting for him to return this year, then defeat Tyson Fury twice, and retire on a high.”
