Anthony Joshua 50-50 For a 2025 Return
By Eddie Sanchez
Anthony Joshua’s potential return to the ring before the end of the year is currently a 50-50 possibility, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who says the former two-time world heavyweight champion is ready to fight on short notice.
Joshua hasn’t competed since suffering a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. After more than a year of inactivity, he recently fell out of The Ring’s heavyweight rankings.
Talks had been ongoing for a potential fight with Jake Paul earlier this year, but when Paul instead signed to face Gervonta Davis, it appeared Joshua would remain sidelined until 2026.
Now, however, Hearn has hinted that Joshua could make a tune-up appearance before year’s end—possibly on an undercard to shake off the rust ahead of a major fight early next year. Two options on the table include Matchroom’s December 13 card in Stockton, California, or The Ring’s December 27 “Night of the Samurai” event in Riyadh, headlined by Naoya Inoue.
“I’d say it’s probably 50-50 that he fights again this year,” Hearn told The Ring. “It might sound crazy, but from a boxing standpoint, it makes a lot of sense. Every time AJ fights, it’s a massive stadium event. But if he quietly gets on an undercard somewhere, it could really help him find his rhythm again.”
Hearn explained that Joshua has been eager to stay active and even suggested fighting on a smaller overseas show to get rounds in. “He actually asked if he could box on one of our Mexico cards,” Hearn said. “I told him, ‘Mate, I can’t really hide you walking around Tijuana.’ But with our California show in December and possibly Riyadh later that month, there are a few options. If it happens, we might not even announce it until two weeks out.”
Joshua (28-4, 25 KO) remains one of the biggest names in British boxing. He hasn’t fought in a non–main event or scheduled anything under 12 rounds in nearly a decade, aside from his December 2023 stoppage of Otto Wallin.
Still, Hearn believes that stepping away from the spotlight could be exactly what Joshua needs. “All we’re trying to do is get him ready for what’s probably the final chapter of his career,” he said. “Getting back under the lights—without the pressure of a stadium crowd—might be the best way to do that.”
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