Anthony Joshua could be set for a return to the ring as early as July 2026, according to his promoter, Eddie Hearn. The announcement marks a significant step forward for the 36-year-old heavyweight champion, whose career has been on hiatus following a devastating car accident in late 2025.
Mapping Out the Summer Comeback
Speaking to reporters in Nottingham, Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn disclosed that while plans are being finalized, the goal is to get the former two-time unified champion back into professional competition this summer.
“I’m looking at options to get him back in the ring in July,” Hearn stated. “We’ll only know if that’s a real possibility when he returns to camp.”
Scrapping the Tyson Fury “Blockbuster”
The accident has forced a major reshuffle of the heavyweight boxing calendar. Prior to the December tragedy, Joshua was scheduled for a March 2026 tune-up fight in Miami (following his last bout against Jake Paul) before a massive undisputed clash with Tyson Fury in August.
Hearn confirmed those plans are now officially off the table:
- March Return: Cancelled to allow for physical and emotional recovery.
- Tyson Fury Clash: The highly anticipated August fight is no longer happening as scheduled.
- Revised Outlook: “He’s not fighting Tyson Fury next. He’s going to come back, I believe, late summer, but physically he’s not yet in a position to return to camp,” Hearn clarified.
Current Status: Rest and Recovery
Joshua, who escaped the December crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with no life-threatening injuries, is currently in a period of extended rest. The accident claimed the lives of his close friends and trainers, Sina Ghami and Kevin “Latif” Ayodele, a loss that has significantly impacted the fighter’s focus.
According to Hearn, Joshua is expected to resume a formal training camp within the “next few weeks or a month,” provided his physical and mental recovery continues as planned.
What’s Next?
While an opponent for the July return has not been named, the boxing world is watching closely to see how Joshua handles the transition back into elite competition. The removal of the Tyson Fury fight from the immediate schedule suggests the promoter is prioritizing a “soft landing” or a rebuilding phase for the star as he processes the events of the last few months.
Source: Africa Publicity
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