Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has announced the former two-time heavyweight champion’s planned return to boxing in 2025, following a challenging period in his career. This announcement comes after Joshua’s disappointing defeat to Daniel Dubois, which has significant implications for his aspirations to regain a dominant status in the heavyweight division. At age 35, Joshua finds himself at a critical juncture. While many speculated that the loss may indicate the end of his storied career, Hearn has vehemently dismissed retirement discussions, emphasizing Joshua’s unwavering passion for the sport. “Anthony loves boxing; he’d fight forever if he could,” Hearn stated, showcasing Joshua’s determination to continue competing at the highest level.
Despite entering 2023 on a high note with four consecutive victories and seemingly poised for a title challenge, Joshua’s fight against Dubois in March 2024 marked a significant setback. The brutal loss came after a dominant first-round knockout of Francis Ngannou, which had set high expectations for his comeback trajectory. In light of this defeat, Hearn highlighted the necessity for Joshua to regroup both mentally and physically. “After fighting four times in less than a year, Anthony needs to recharge,” Hearn noted, revealing that Joshua will return to training in January 2025, positioning him for a potential ring return in April or May.
In contrast to his previous comeback strategy, which included lower-profile fights to regain confidence following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, Hearn declared a new, more aggressive approach for Joshua’s next phase. He emphasized that Joshua, at this stage in his professional journey, will not engage in “tune-up” fights. Instead, Hearn confirmed that Joshua is aiming to jump straight into significant matchups, underscoring the notion that “there’s no appeal in smaller fights” for a boxer of Joshua’s stature. This strategic shift indicates a sense of urgency for Joshua to reclaim his position within the elite ranks of heavyweight boxing.
The overall landscape of boxing has changed, but Joshua remains a substantial draw within the sport, both in the UK and globally. His ability to fill arenas and attract significant pay-per-view interest confirms his status as a key player in the heavyweight scene. This popularity ensures that Joshua’s future endeavors will continue to capture public attention and interest, regardless of recent setbacks. Hearn’s confidence in Joshua’s marketability implies that fans will still see him as a leading figure, capable of captivating audiences and generating excitement in the ring.
As Joshua prepares for his return, the looming question of suitable opponents arises. Much of his next moves depend on the schedules and outcomes of fighters like Tyson Fury and Dubois. Fury’s upcoming fight against Oleksandr Usyk and Dubois’ title defense in February are pivotal events that will likely dictate the timeline and feasibility of future negotiations. Should these fighters remain available and willing, Joshua could potentially find himself engaged in high-stakes matchups that could define the next chapter of his career.
In summary, Anthony Joshua’s anticipated return to the boxing ring is a focal point for both his career and the heavyweight division as a whole. With Eddie Hearn’s assurance of Joshua’s commitment and readiness for high-profile fights, fans await the results of crucial bouts involving Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois. The next few months will shape not only Joshua’s immediate future in boxing but also the broader narrative of heavyweight boxing as it evolves with new challengers and rivals rising to prominence. Joshua’s journey thus remains both uncertain and exciting as he aims to reclaim his status among boxing’s elite.
