Anthony Joshua has confirmed plans to return to the ring in December, following a period of recovery after undergoing elbow surgery this month.
The two-time world heavyweight boxing champion has been out of action since suffering a devastating fifth-round knockout against Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September last year
Speaking to the media in Mexico, Joshua revealed that he was prioritising physical rehabilitation before resuming full training later this year.
The procedure is expected to keep him out of the gym for up to eight weeks, pushing his return to the final month of 2025 and extending his lay-off to over a year.
While fans had hoped for a long-anticipated clash with Tyson Fury, a winter return effectively rules out a stadium fight in the UK and may delay that showdown until 2026, unless it is staged in the Middle East.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn remains hopeful that a fight with Fury can still be agreed in future, though Joshua has also hinted at other potential opponents including Martin Bankole, Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder, whose own comeback bout is scheduled for next month.
The British star acknowledged the need to elevate his performance if he is to reclaim world championship status.
