Promoter Eddie Hearn has provided a significant update on the boxing future of Anthony Joshua, confirming the British heavyweight is eyeing a return to the ring as early as July this year. This announcement comes after a tragic car accident in December that claimed the lives of two of Joshua's teammates and cast serious doubt over his professional career.
Joshua's Recovery and Training Progress
Despite the severity of the December incident, Anthony Joshua has resumed training, demonstrating remarkable resilience in his recovery process. Eddie Hearn, Joshua's long-time promoter, expressed cautious optimism about the boxer's physical and mental readiness to compete again at the highest level.
Revised Fight Schedule and Cancelled Plans
The original boxing calendar for Joshua had included a March fight followed by a highly anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury in August. However, these plans were completely derailed by the fatal car crash. Hearn confirmed that the proposed bout with Fury has now been officially postponed.
New Timeline for Fury-Joshua Matchup
According to Hearn's latest statements, a potential fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is now being considered for late 2026 or early 2027. This represents a substantial delay from the previously scheduled August date and reflects the necessary recovery period for Joshua following the traumatic events of December.
Potential Opponents and Future Challenges
Eddie Hearn also addressed circulating rumours about a potential trilogy match against Oleksandr Usyk, though he emphasized that Joshua's immediate focus is on a successful comeback fight. The promoter suggested that Joshua's July bout could serve as a strategic warm-up before tackling more formidable opponents, depending entirely on his physical condition and readiness assessment.
"Every fight carries inherent danger," Hearn noted, "but we're proceeding with appropriate caution given the circumstances. Anthony's health and recovery remain our absolute priority."
Broader Implications for Heavyweight Boxing
This development reshapes the landscape of heavyweight boxing significantly. The delay in the Joshua-Fury matchup creates opportunities for other contenders while allowing Joshua proper recovery time. The boxing community continues to monitor Joshua's progress closely, with many expressing relief at his return to training despite the tragic loss of his teammates.
The coming months will prove crucial in determining Anthony Joshua's competitive future, with his July performance likely to signal whether he can return to championship contention or if additional recovery time will be necessary before facing elite opponents like Tyson Fury.
