Anthony Joshua will not retire next year as initially planned, with his promoter Eddie Hearn now expecting the former two-time world heavyweight champion to continue fighting until 2027.
Hearn had previously stated that the Watford powerhouse would hang up his gloves by the end of 2026, but the delayed comeback following Joshua’s devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September has pushed back retirement plans.
The 35-year-old has been sidelined for over a year due to a lingering elbow injury that required surgery in May. However, Joshua is now back in training with a view to returning to the ring in early 2026.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn explained the change in timeline saying, “I always said that 2026 would likely be his last year in the sport. But now with the delayed comeback, probably (could go until) 2027.”
The promoter emphasised that Joshua’s future depends on his performance upon return.
“If he was to get beaten in his next fight, that would probably be it, because that’s a fight that he’s expected to win,” Hearn said.
“Then if it’s Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk, Dubois, whoever it is. Any defeat it’s going to really make you consider your position.”
The former world champion’s last appearance was in September 2024, when he was stopped in five rounds by then-IBF champion Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Hearn revealed that Joshua’s comeback fight will be carefully selected.
“We have to choose carefully the next fight, and I think the best way to do that is to be honest and say it will be a comeback fight to have a shot next summer,” he told Sky Sports.
“We want it to be against Tyson Fury (summer 2026). If not, it will be another huge fight.”
