Anthony Joshua Unlikely to Compete in 2025: Insights from Promoter Eddie Hearn

joshua’s Ring Return Pushed to February; Fury Fight Looms

October 24, 2025

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is now expected to return to professional boxing in February, according to statements made by his promoter, Eddie Hearn. This adjustment comes after previous consideration of a December return, which was deemed too rushed given Joshua’s training schedule.

Hearn indicated that Joshua, who hasn’t competed since his loss against Daniel Dubois last September, is currently back in full training camp. However, preparing for a bout in December presented a tight timeline. The promoter stressed the need for sufficient readiness time for a fighter of Joshua’s caliber.

A potential fight in Africa has been discussed as a possible location for Joshua’s return, reflecting a growing interest in hosting major boxing events on the continent. This would mark a notable event, bringing top-tier boxing to a new audience.

The Road to February: Training and Considerations

The decision to target February allows Joshua the necesary time to build towards peak condition. Hearn explained that while a December fight wasn’t entirely off the table, it would require considerably accelerated preparation. This is especially important given Joshua’s stature and the expectation for high-level performance.

Did You Know? Anthony Joshua has not missed a year of fighting since turning professional in 2013, a streak that would be broken if his return is delayed to 2026.

Hearn also expressed a desire for Joshua to participate in a co-main event to ease back into competition, even though he acknowledged the difficulties of arranging such an event given Joshua’s prominent status. The goal is to provide joshua with an opportunity to regain rhythm without the immediate pressure of a headlining bout.

Fury Fight Still a Priority

despite the shifted timeline for his return, Joshua’s ambition to face Tyson Fury remains firm. Hearn emphasized that the likelihood of this highly anticipated clash hinges on the involvement of Turki alalshikh, chairperson of the Saudi Arabia General Entertainment Authority.

According to Hearn, negotiations with Alalshikh are progressing well, but a deal is contingent upon Fury’s participation.Alalshikh’s financial backing and logistical expertise are seen as crucial to finalizing any arrangement for the fight.

Hearn stated, “The only person that’s going to make that fight is Turki Alalshikh,” underlining the key role Alalshikh plays in making this showdown a reality.

Key Dates and Potential Opponents

Event	Date	Status
Last Fight	September 2025	Loss to Daniel Dubois
Projected Return	February 2026	Confirmed by eddie Hearn
Potential opponent	Tyson Fury	Negotiations Ongoing

Pro tip: Boxing schedules are notoriously fluid. Keep an eye on official announcements from Joshua’s team and major boxing news outlets for the most up-to-date information.

The boxing world eagerly awaits confirmation of Joshua’s next opponent and the official date. His return will undoubtedly be a major event, with implications for the heavyweight division’s landscape.

The Evolving Landscape of boxing Promotion

The role of promoters like Eddie Hearn has become increasingly complex in modern boxing. They not only manage fighters but also navigate intricate negotiations with broadcasters, sponsors, and event organizers.The rise of Saudi Arabian investment in boxing, spearheaded by Turki Alalshikh, represents a significant shift in the sport’s economics and power dynamics.According to a report by Statista, global boxing revenue reached $1.49 billion in 2023, with ample growth projected in the coming years, partly fueled by these new investments.

The increasing demand for high-profile fights like Joshua vs. Fury is driving up fighter purses and event costs. This trend forces promoters to seek innovative funding models and explore new markets, as evidenced by the interest in staging events in Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions About anthony Joshua’s Return

• What is the current expected date for Anthony Joshua’s next fight? The current expectation is February 2026, although this is subject to change.
• Who is Anthony Joshua’s promoter? Anthony Joshua is promoted by Eddie Hearn.
• Is a fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury likely? A fight between Joshua and Fury is a possibility, but it depends on negotiations and the involvement of Turki Alalshikh.
• Were might Anthony Joshua fight next? There has been discussion of a fight in Africa, among other potential locations.
• Why was a December return ruled out? A December return was deemed too soon to allow for adequate training preparation.
• What is Eddie hearn’s role in securing a Joshua vs Fury fight? Eddie Hearn is working on a deal with turki Alalshikh, however, the ultimate decision rests with Fury.
• Has Anthony Joshua ever missed a year of fighting? No, a February 2026 return would be the first time in his professional career that Joshua hasn’t fought in a calendar year.

What are your predictions for Joshua’s return? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific factors, beyond physical recovery, are influencing Eddie Hearn’s decision to delay Joshua’s return until 2026?

Hearn’s Recent statements & The Reasoning Behind the Delay

Recent comments from Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, strongly suggest that the heavyweight boxing star will likely not return to the ring before 2026.This news has sent ripples thru the boxing world, leaving fans wondering about the future of the former unified champion. Hearn cited a need for Joshua to fully recover, both physically and mentally, following his recent performances and the demanding schedule of elite-level boxing.

The primary concern isn’t a specific injury, but rather a holistic approach to ensuring joshua is at his peak when he does return. Hearn emphasized the importance of strategic matchmaking and avoiding a rushed comeback that could jeopardize future opportunities.This aligns with a growing trend in boxing where fighter well-being is increasingly prioritized alongside competitive demands.

Analyzing Joshua’s Recent fights & Performance

To understand Hearn’s caution, it’s crucial to analyze Joshua’s last few bouts.

* Loss to Oleksandr Usyk (2022): A clear defeat that saw Joshua lose his unified titles. This fight exposed vulnerabilities in Joshua’s game plan and defensive capabilities.

* Rematch Win vs. Robert Helenius (2023): A relatively comfortable win, but against an opponent not considered among the heavyweight elite.

* Loss to Dillian Whyte (2023): A shocking upset that raised serious questions about Joshua’s current form and trajectory. This fight was particularly damaging to his reputation and future prospects.

* Win vs. Francis Ngannou (2024): A solid performance against the UFC star, but Ngannou was a boxing novice, and the victory didn’t fully address concerns about Joshua’s ability to compete with the top heavyweights.

These results demonstrate a pattern of inconsistency and a decline in performance, fueling Hearn’s decision to prioritize a longer period of rest and rebuilding. The heavyweight division is currently brimming with talent, including Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and emerging contenders, making a well-prepared Joshua essential for any future success.

Potential Opponents & Future Matchmaking Strategies

Hearn has indicated that when Joshua does return, the focus will be on securing fights that rebuild his confidence and momentum. several potential opponents have been discussed:

1. Jared Anderson: A rising American heavyweight with a formidable record. A fight against Anderson would be a significant test for Joshua and a good gauge of his current abilities.
2. Joseph Parker: A former WBO champion who has shown resilience and remains a risky opponent.
3. Zhilei Zhang: The Chinese southpaw has proven to be a tough competitor and could present a stylistic challenge for Joshua.

Hearn has ruled out pursuing an immediate rematch with Dillian Whyte, citing the need for joshua to face opponents who can elevate his standing in the division. The ultimate goal remains securing another world title shot, but Hearn acknowledges that this will require a carefully orchestrated series of victories.

The Impact on the Heavyweight Boxing Landscape

Joshua’s absence will undoubtedly impact the heavyweight boxing landscape. He remains a major draw, and his fights generate significant revenue and interest.

* Reduced Pay-Per-View Buys: Without Joshua competing, the number of major boxing events and associated pay-per-view sales could decline.

* Shift in Focus to Other Heavyweights: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will likely remain the focal points of the division,but other contenders will have an chance to step up and gain prominence.

* Increased Speculation & Uncertainty: Joshua’s extended break will fuel speculation about his future and whether he will ever regain his former glory.

Benefits of a Prolonged Break for Anthony Joshua

While disappointing for fans, a prolonged break could offer several benefits for Joshua:

* Physical Recovery: Allowing his body to fully recover from years of intense training and competition.

* Mental Reset: Addressing any psychological challenges or doubts that may be affecting his performance.

* Strategic Re-evaluation: Working with his team to develop a new game plan and address the weaknesses exposed in recent fights.

* Improved Training Regimen: Implementing a more effective training programme tailored to his specific needs and goals.

Real-World Example: Similar Comebacks in Boxing History

Several boxers have successfully returned from extended breaks to reclaim their former glory.

* George Foreman: After a ten-year retirement, Foreman famously returned to win the heavyweight title at the age of 45.

* Evander Holyfield: Holyfield faced numerous setbacks throughout his career but continued to compete at a high level well into his 40s.

* Bernard Hopkins: Hopkins enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned several decades, demonstrating the importance of longevity and adaptability.

These examples demonstrate that a prolonged break doesn’t necessarily signal the end of a fighter’s career.With the right approach, Joshua could potentially return stronger and more determined than ever.

Practical Tips for Fans Following Joshua’s journey

* Stay Updated: Follow reliable boxing news sources and Eddie Hearn’s official social media channels for the latest updates.

* Manage Expectations: Recognize that Joshua’s comeback will likely be a gradual process, and setbacks are