Anthony Joshua’s boxing future remains shrouded in uncertainty as he continues to recover from elbow surgery following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last year. The former unified heavyweight champion’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has confirmed that Joshua is not yet ready to return to the ring and a training camp start date is still to be determined. While Hearn initially suggested an end-of-October target, he remains flexible, indicating a willingness to schedule a fight in either November or December. The ambiguity extends to Joshua’s potential opponent, with Hearn admitting he has “absolutely no idea” who will be across the ring. Previously touted names like Dillian Whyte and Jared Anderson are now seemingly off the table, with Whyte engaged in another bout and no progress made on an Anderson fight. While Deontay Wilder has expressed sustained interest in facing Joshua, Wilder himself has an upcoming fight scheduled, further complicating the matchmaking process. Adding to the complexity, Joshua is reportedly monitoring the July clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, both of whom have defeated him in the past.
Joshua’s delayed return and the lack of a confirmed opponent have injected significant uncertainty into his comeback plans. The elbow surgery, necessitated by the Dubois fight, has extended his time away from the ring and interrupted his training schedule. This prolonged absence has allowed other fighters to schedule their own bouts, further limiting the pool of potential opponents for Joshua’s highly anticipated return. The promoter’s candid admission of having “no idea” about the opponent highlights the challenges in finding a suitable matchup given the current landscape of the heavyweight division. While names have been mentioned, none have materialized into concrete plans, leaving Joshua’s next fight in limbo. The added pressure of Joshua observing the Usyk-Dubois fight suggests he is strategically assessing the landscape, waiting for the dust to settle before making a decision about his next move.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Joshua’s immediate fighting future, Hearn continues to harbor aspirations of arranging a blockbuster showdown with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury. This long-awaited clash between two of the biggest names in boxing holds significant cultural and sporting weight. Hearn emphasized the iconic nature of a potential Joshua-Fury matchup, deeming it a momentous occasion for both British boxing and British sport as a whole. The promoter’s insistence on the fight taking place suggests a belief that there are no longer any insurmountable obstacles preventing its realization. This unwavering optimism hints at ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts to bring the two giants together, possibly after Joshua has secured a successful comeback fight.
Hearn’s comments also suggest that the window for a Joshua-Fury fight may be closing, with the promoter hinting at 2026 potentially being Joshua’s final year in the sport. This adds a layer of urgency to the pursuit of the Fury fight, as time is of the essence to realize this monumental event. This timeframe also provides a potential structure for Joshua’s remaining career, suggesting a limited number of fights before his anticipated retirement.
The interest from Deontay Wilder adds another dimension to the discussions surrounding Joshua’s return. Wilder’s repeated expressions of willingness to face Joshua maintain the possibility of this high-profile clash. However, Wilder’s own commitments, including his upcoming fight against Tyrrell Anthony Herdon, introduce another layer of complexity. The timing of Wilder’s potential availability will undoubtedly factor into the decision-making process for Joshua’s team, as they weigh the various options for his next opponent.
In summary, Anthony Joshua’s return to the ring remains uncertain, with no confirmed timeline or opponent. While his promoter, Eddie Hearn, remains optimistic about a future clash with Tyson Fury, the immediate focus is on securing a comeback fight later this year after Joshua recovers from elbow surgery. The potential opponents and the timing of Joshua’s return are intertwined with the broader dynamics of the heavyweight division, making it a complex equation with multiple moving parts. The coming months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of Joshua’s career and whether the highly anticipated showdown with Fury can finally be materialized.
