After a tragic end to 2025 for Anthony Joshua, the previous heavyweight world champion is now working towards a comeback to the game.
Last December, Anthony Joshua took part in some of the controversial fights of the last decade when he took on web sensation-turned boxer Jake Paul.
The previous heavyweight world champion went on to interrupt Paul’s jaw scoring a viral KO which was presupposed to set him up for a giant 2026.
Despite that, not long after, Joshua was involved in a tragic automotive accident that claimed the lives of two of his teammates.
Eddie Hearn reveals Anthony Joshua is targeting a return in July
Following the terrible incident, it was unknown whether the 36-year-old would completely retire from the game or not.
Initially, one among Joshua’s relations claimed that he told his family that he wouldn’t fight again in the game, but fortunately, he seemingly modified his mind.
For the past few years, UK boxing fans have been crying out for a fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury, and following Joshua’s clash against Paul, it seemed as if it was going to occur within the early proceedings of 2026.
Despite that, ‘The Gypsy King’ booked his return to happen against Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11.
And with that in mind, in keeping with Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn, the previous champion is now targeting a return to the ring this coming July.
“Originally the plan with AJ was for him to fight in March after which fight Tyson Fury in August,” Hearn told Boxing Scene.
“That’s not happening. He’s not fighting Tyson Fury next. He’s going to return back, I consider, in late summer, but physically he’s not yet able to return to camp.
“So, I’m planning, but he’s resting and preparing. So for me, I’m taking a look at options to get him back within the ring in July time, but we’ll only know if that’s an actual possibility when he returns to camp, which can hopefully be in the following couple of weeks or a month.”
Hearn still open to Joshua vs Fury at the tip of 2026 or 2027
Even though it won’t be happening next for Joshua, Hearn has admitted that he and his team are still open to the all-British clash.
“I believe we’re open to the Tyson Fury fight, but probably that’s more likely end of the 12 months – perhaps early 2027.”