Anthony Joshua is currently recovering from elbow surgery and is eyeing a return to the ring later this year, with Deontay Wilder reportedly on Eddie Hearn’s radar
Anthony Joshua is gearing up for a comeback later this year and is eyeing Deontay Wilder as a potential opponent. Having not fought since his defeat by Daniel Dubois last September in an IBF title match, Joshua is currently recovering from elbow surgery.
The Mirror hints at Joshua’s ambition for a two-fight deal with Tyson Fury next year. Meanwhile, promoter Eddie Hearn has included Wilder on the list for a possible bout with ‘AJ’.
At 39, Deontay Wilder prepares to face Tyrrell Herndon next week, seeking redemption after consecutive losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang amidst whispers of possible retirement.
Eddie Hearn remains optimistic about a match-up between Joshua and Fury, saying: “I don’t see why not. I mean, we’d take that fight in October, November, December. It’s still dangerous. Like someone said to me, oh, you think he’ll be in a dangerous fight? I said, they’re all f***ing dangerous, mate.”
Hearn outlined a fight plan: “We want to fight Fury. And the plan for us is to fight October, November or December, and then fight Tyson twice. Or certainly once. And I can’t see that fight not happening. As long as AJ comes through at the end of the year.,”
The concept of a defining clash for the undisputed heavyweight championship against Wilder crumbled around 2018 even when both boxers maintained undefeated records, as per a report from the Express.
Eddie Hearn is lining up a range of contenders for Anthony Joshua’s boxing comeback, eyeing up American Jared Anderson, Germany’s Agit Kabayel, and Nigeria’s Efe Ajagba as possible opponents. Dillian Whyte was in the frame until his August bout with Moses Itauma in Saudi Arabia was confirmed.
At the age of 35, Joshua has faced four losses, including consecutive defeats by Oleksandr Usyk and a shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr.
Matchroom Boxing’s boss Hearn believes that 2026 could be Joshua’s final year in boxing, although he admits that an earlier retirement may be on the cards if Joshua’s key return fight in 2025 falls short of expectations.
“The proof will be this fight,” Hearn stated firmly. “Like I said the other day, 2026 will probably be his last year in the sport”.
“But this next fight will tell us everything. You know what I mean? If camp doesn’t go well, if the performance isn’t of the same level, you have to evaluate after each fight.
“The moment you don’t look good in camp or don’t start sparring well that’s when you have to think about your position. But that’s not happened yet.”
In addition, Chris Eubank Jr is gearing up for a highly anticipated rematch with Conor Benn, with potential dates being considered for September 20 or October 4.
The move to a new date comes after conflicts with Premier League events led to the original scheduling for September 27 being scrapped, due to Spurs facing Wolves at home.
