Due to a new injury, Anthony Joshua is not expected to return to the ring until late summer. This has now been announced by his promoter Eddie Hearn.
British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua will not return to the ring until later than planned. As confirmed by his promoter Eddie Hearn, the 35-year-old is suffering from a new injury that is delaying his return to training. According to Hearn, it is not a serious injury, but AJ will need another eight weeks before he can train at full intensity again. His next fight is therefore likely to be postponed until late summer.
Anthony Joshua: Comeback on hold
Joshua has not been back in the ring since his last defeat in September 2024. The former world champion lost his fight against Daniel Dubois by knockout in just five rounds. Joshua had originally planned a rematch in the near future, but minor injuries prevented an earlier comeback. With the injury now diagnosed, his comeback strategy has been further delayed.
Heavyweight scene on the move
Anthony Joshua’s break comes at a time when the heavyweight division is reorganizing itself. His long-time rival Tyson Fury has retired after two defeats against Oleksandr Usyk. This means that a potential super fight between the two Brits is off the table for the time being. In the meantime, Joseph Parker has been appointed Usyk’s mandatory challenger, while IBF champ Dubois is still hoping for a unification fight against the Ukrainian.
Eddie Hearn gives insight into Joshua’s recovery
According to AJ’s promoter, Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn, Joshua has already started light training again, but is not yet able to get back in the ring at full intensity. “It’s going to be about eight weeks before he can really punch again,” Hearn told Ring Magazine. This means that hopes of a fight against Deontay Wilder, Agit Kabayel or Joseph Parker in the first half of the year are off the table for the time being.
Future prospects for Anthony Joshua
Fans are hoping that Joshua will still be able to fight Fury after his injury layoff, should he reverse his decision to retire. However, it is currently unclear when and against whom Joshua will fight next. The only certainty is that his comeback will be delayed again.
Text: Andreas Ohlberger