Anthony Joshua might return to the boxing ring earlier than the tip of 2025.
Eddie Hearn seems to have dropped a significant bombshell on Anthony Joshua’s return (Picture: PA)
Eddie Hearn has hinted at a possible boxing occasion in Africa this December, suggesting that Anthony Joshua may make a comeback earlier than Christmas. Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion, hasn’t stepped into the ring since September 2024 when he was devastatingly knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. The British boxer has been largely out of motion all through 2025, however is now again in coaching following elbow surgical procedure.
Hearn just lately disclosed that there are ten contenders being thought-about for Joshua’s return struggle, which might doubtlessly be held in Africa. The next plan is to pursue a long-awaited assembly with Tyson Fury subsequent 12 months. The ‘Gypsy King’ retired from boxing earlier this 12 months after consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, however has dropped hints a few attainable return subsequent 12 months.
In a current interview on Sportico and The Boxing Mob, Hearn unveiled Matchroom’s itinerary for the rest of 2025, which incorporates visits to Australia, Monaco, Birmingham, Los Angeles, and a weekend in Africa simply earlier than Christmas.
This revelation comes shortly after the boxing promoter had talks with Joshua relating to his future. He urged that ‘AJ’ may step into the ring this 12 months, fairly than the beforehand focused 2026 comeback.
“I had a chat with AJ earlier within the week and it is form of time to make some selections actually,” he advised iFL TV.
“He is coaching just about to full capability… his elbow that is now absolutely healed and he needs to know what the plan is. He needs to get transferring. We have simply bought to get it proper now.
“That is form of like one large final roll of the cube. It might be 18 months, it might be two years, I do not know. However he needs to get lively and that is a very good factor.
“So, you might even see him sooner fairly than later. That is all I will say. However there are many choices on the desk, numerous cities to struggle in, and he simply he is simply excited to struggle once more.”
The African boxing scene has gained important momentum just lately – with main reveals being staged in Ghana and Nigeria, the place Joshua’s dad and mom had been born.
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Promoter Dr Ezekiel Adamu – who collaborated with boxing legend Amir Khan on a present in Nigeria – is eager to deliver Joshua over to compete in Africa.
“Adamu disclosed that discussions are underway with Joshua’s staff relating to a attainable bout in Nigeria, saying: “We have had a preliminary dialog and we’ll preserve going. We’re taking a look at Q1 subsequent 12 months.
“Everyone knows AJ’s all the time stated he needs to struggle in Africa earlier than the tip of his profession and we consider Nigeria is definitely the perfect story. Nigeria has the best inhabitants in the entire of Africa, about 250 million folks.
“Nigeria is the financial capital of the entire of Africa. The listing goes on and on. We consider that we are literally poised to make that occur.”
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