Anthony Joshua is not yet ready to return to the ring, with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, admitting that the former unified heavyweight champion’s comeback remains uncertain as he continues to recover from elbow surgery.
The 35-year-old has been out of action since his crushing knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last year, which prompted surgery on an elbow injury that has delayed his return to training. He has also been seen on something of an African tour with his recent visits to Nigeria and Ghana.
Speaking to Boxing Social, Hearn was candid about Joshua’s current situation when asked about the heavyweight’s next step.
“Honestly, nowhere. Like, I mean, training camp not ready to start but close,” Hearn said.
“We had a conversation the other day, and I said to him ‘You need to let me know when you’d be ready by.’ And that was the end of October, but happy to fight in November or December.”
The British promoter revealed that Joshua is expected to fight only once this year, but admitted he has no clear idea about who the opponent might be.
“I have absolutely no idea,” Hearn confessed when pressed about potential opponents.
Names like Dillian Whyte and Jared Anderson were previously mentioned as possible opponents, but Whyte has since accepted a bout against rising prospect Moses Itauma on 16th August, whilst there have been no recent developments regarding Anderson.
Deontay Wilder remains interested in facing Joshua, with the American stating, “I’m ready. As long as he’s in the division and I am too, I’ll always be willing to fight.”
However, Wilder has his own commitments, with a scheduled fight against Tyrrell Anthony Herdon later this month.
Hearn indicated that his fighter is keeping a close eye on the upcoming 19th July clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, both of whom hold victories over Joshua.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Joshua’s immediate future, Hearn remains hopeful about making the long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury happen.
“If we don’t make the Tyson Fury fight, it would be a big shame,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “For me, the Tyson Fury fight has to happen. I think there’s no excuse now why that shouldn’t happen.”
The promoter emphasised the cultural significance of such a matchup, saying, “To see those two in the opposite corner would be an iconic moment for not just British boxing, but British sport.”
Hearn hinted that Joshua’s career may be approaching its final chapter, suggesting that 2026 could be his last year in the sport.
“2026 could be his last year in the sport… one little last roll to this incredible career,” he said.
