Anthony Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight champion, is poised for a return to the boxing ring, with his promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealing a lineup of six potential opponents for his next fight. Hearn dispelled rumors of signed agreements with either Martin Bakole or Deontay Wilder, emphasizing that no formal discussions have taken place with either camp. He confirmed that Joshua is eager to commence training and that a decision on his next opponent will be finalized shortly after February 22nd, following key heavyweight clashes scheduled for that date. This marks Joshua’s return to action following his defeat against IBF world champion Daniel Dubois last September, a setback that disrupted his pursuit of a highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury, who subsequently announced his retirement plans for 2025.
The speculation surrounding Joshua’s next opponent has generated considerable buzz within the boxing world. Reports of a finalized deal with Martin Bakole for a fight in Congo were quickly refuted by both Hearn and boxing journalist Gareth A Davis. Davis indicated that Joshua’s camp hadn’t even entertained conversations about a potential Bakole fight, suggesting that the rumors were likely fueled by Bakole’s promoter, Ben Shalom, in an attempt to manifest the matchup. This underscores the complex and often speculative nature of negotiations in the boxing world, where public pronouncements can sometimes precede concrete agreements.
Among the leading contenders for Joshua’s comeback fight are the victors of two crucial heavyweight bouts scheduled for February 22nd. The first is the IBF title fight between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker, while the second features Zhilei Zhang and Agit Kabayel competing for the WBC interim title. These fights hold significant weight in shaping the heavyweight landscape and present intriguing stylistic matchups for Joshua. Hearn acknowledged the potential of these winners as future Joshua opponents, highlighting the importance of these upcoming clashes in determining the next stage of Joshua’s career.
Beyond the immediate contenders emerging from the February 22nd fights, Joshua’s long-term aspirations remain focused on two primary targets: Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. Despite Fury’s announced retirement plans, a potential clash with Joshua remains a highly lucrative and sought-after event in the boxing world. A rematch with Dubois, after their previous encounter, also holds significant appeal, offering Joshua an opportunity to avenge his earlier loss and reclaim his standing in the heavyweight division. Hearn emphasized Joshua’s willingness to face any credible opponent, reflecting his consistent approach throughout his career.
Joshua’s substantial earnings throughout his boxing career, exceeding $200 million, including a remarkable $75 million in 2024 alone, further underscores his marketability and the significant financial stakes associated with his fights. He still has one fight remaining on his lucrative Riyadh Season contract, suggesting a potential return to Saudi Arabia for his next bout. This contract adds another layer of complexity to the selection of his opponent, as factors such as venue and contractual obligations will play a role in the final decision.
While the specific opponent and date remain undetermined, Matchroom CEO Frank Smith has indicated that Joshua is expected to return to the ring in the summer of 2025. This timeframe allows for ample preparation and strategic planning as Joshua’s team carefully considers the various options for his highly anticipated comeback fight. The confluence of potential opponents, contractual obligations, and the broader heavyweight landscape creates a dynamic and intriguing backdrop for Joshua’s return, promising a captivating chapter in his ongoing boxing journey. The coming weeks will undoubtedly shed more light on the direction of his career as negotiations progress and the heavyweight picture becomes clearer following the crucial February 22nd bouts.
