Anthony Joshua's Boxing Future In Limbo Amid Recovery, Uncertainty Over Next Opponent
Thompson Nsisongabasi
Jun 24, 2025
Anthony Joshua's Boxing Future In Limbo Amid Recovery, Uncertainty Over Next Opponent
Former unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua is still not ready to return to the ring, with his promoter Eddie Hearn confirming that the British-Nigerian boxer's comeback remains uncertain as he continues to recover from elbow surgery.
READ ALSO: Amobi Ogah Hails D'Tigress After Historic Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Women Triumph
Anthony Joshua, 35, has not fought since suffering a brutal knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last year, a defeat that led to corrective elbow surgery and an extended layoff.
READ ALSO: UAAP Felicitates With Abia Deputy Gov. Emetu On His Birthday
During his time away from the ring, Joshua has been seen on a tour across Africa, making high-profile visits to Nigeria and Ghana.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Kill Young Businessman After Collecting Ransom In Kogi | READ DETAILS
In an interview with Boxing Social, Hearn offered a frank assessment of Joshua's status.
READ ALSO: 20m Nigerians to get N1m to N5m grant - Social Exchange Market |SEE HOW
"Honestly, nowhere. Like, I mean, training camp not ready to start but close,ÔÇØ Hearn revealed. "We had a conversation the other day, and I said to him, 'You need to let me know when you'd be ready by.' And that was the end of October, but happy to fight in November or December.ÔÇØ
According to Hearn, Joshua is expected to fight only once this year, although the identity of his next opponent remains unknown.
READ ALSO: Buhari's aide defends FSARS, says internet fraudsters behind protests
"I have absolutely no idea,ÔÇØ Hearn admitted when asked who Joshua might face.
READ ALSO: LETTER BOMB TO VICTOR OYE: THE MACABRE DANCE OF A POLITICAL JOBBER
Dillian Whyte and Jared Anderson had previously been floated as possible options, but Whyte is now booked to fight rising star Moses Itauma on August 16, while there have been no fresh developments regarding Anderson.
READ ALSO: Why Everyone's Talking About the Moneyline Bet - And Why It's Changing How Fans Watch Sports
Meanwhile, American heavyweight Deontay Wilder has expressed interest in finally facing Joshua, stating, "I'm ready. As long as he's in the division and I am too, I'll always be willing to fight.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: Why Nigeria May Qualify For World Cup As DR Congo's Playoff Spot Faces Serious Threat
However, Wilder is currently preparing for a scheduled bout with Tyrrell Anthony Herdon later this month.
READ ALSO: Chelsea 3-1 Liverpool
Joshua is also reportedly keeping a close watch on the highly anticipated July 19 bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, two fighters who have both defeated him in recent years.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: DSS issues fresh invitation to Mailafiya | READ DETAILS
Despite the uncertainties, Hearn remains hopeful about arranging what many fans see as the ultimate showdown in British boxing: Anthony Joshua vs. Tyson Fury.
"If we don't make the Tyson Fury fight, it would be a big shame,ÔÇØ Hearn told Sky Sports. "For me, the Tyson Fury fight has to happen. I think there's no excuse now why that shouldn't happen.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: Amobi Ogah Hails D'Tigress After Historic Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Women Triumph
He added, "To see those two in the opposite corner would be an iconic moment for not just British boxing, but British sport.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: UAAP Felicitates With Abia Deputy Gov. Emetu On His Birthday
Looking further ahead, Hearn hinted that the end may be near for Joshua's storied career, suggesting 2026 could mark his retirement.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Kill Young Businessman After Collecting Ransom In Kogi | READ DETAILS
"2026 could be his last year in the sport... one little last roll to this incredible career,ÔÇØ he said.
Related Stories
Why Nigeria May Qualify For World Cup As DR Congo's Playoff Spot Faces Serious Threat
Why Everyone's Talking About the Moneyline Bet - And Why It's Changing How Fans Watch Sports
14 Countries Storm Abia As Otti Hosts First-Ever International Para-Badminton Championship In Umuahia
Amobi Ogah Hails D'Tigress After Historic Fifth Consecutive AfroBasket Women Triumph
How Abia Warriors Shocked the League and Secured Their First-Ever CAF Confederation Cup Ticket - Kanu Nwankwo Reacts
Chelsea 3-1 Liverpool
""
— Thompson Nsisongabasi