Anthony Joshua is gearing up for a significant return to the heavyweight boxing scene after nearly a year away from the ring. The former two-time world heavyweight champion last fought in September 2024, when he suffered a brutal fifth-round knockout loss to IBF World Champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. That defeat marked Joshua's fourth professional loss, with Dubois flooring him four times in a dominant performance that sent shockwaves through the boxing world.
Since then, Joshua has been sidelined, recovering from an elbow injury that required surgery and forced him to miss a planned summer comeback in 2025. Despite this setback, promoter Eddie Hearn remains optimistic about Joshua’s return, aiming for a comeback fight before the end of the year. “In an ideal world, we’d like to fight in November/December and then have two Tyson Fury fights in 2026,” Hearn told IFL TV, outlining a clear roadmap for Joshua’s final years in the sport.
Joshua’s professional record as of mid-June 2025 stands at 32 fights, with 28 wins—25 by knockout—and 4 losses, split evenly between knockouts and decisions. Hearn has indicated that Joshua’s career is approaching its twilight, expecting him to retire by the end of 2026 after potentially just three more bouts. This timeline adds urgency and significance to Joshua’s upcoming fights, as he seeks to re-establish himself among the heavyweight elite.
The boxing world has long anticipated a showdown between Joshua and his fellow British heavyweight icon, Tyson Fury. However, despite persistent rumors, a Fury-Joshua fight is not on the immediate horizon. Fury, who lost two close decisions to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, announced his retirement in January 2025. While he has been spotted training and remains in good shape, Fury’s promoter Frank Warren has emphasized that any comeback decision rests solely with Fury himself. “Whether he’s going to come back or not, I have no idea. That will be his choice,” Warren told Sky Sports.
Former world champion George Groves, a respected voice in British boxing, has weighed in on the situation. Groves believes that the best and only logical next step for both Joshua and Fury is to face each other. “If I was either guy, I'd just fight each other and that's it. I wouldn't bother with any other fights,” Groves said in an interview with Sky Sports. He highlighted the risks and wear that additional fights could cause, especially with both fighters having suffered recent defeats. “Just save it now, fight each other with no more mileage on the clock, no more risks. Stuff goes wrong in camp or even on fight night. Both have been beat. Fury hasn't won well for a long time. Just box each other.”
Groves also expressed confidence that the Fury-Joshua grudge match will eventually materialize, possibly as soon as September or October 2025, with a rematch potentially scheduled for 2026. “There must be a number that makes it worthwhile for both guys. Maybe they're just waiting for that number,” he said. However, this scenario hinges on Fury coming out of retirement, a decision that remains uncertain.
With Fury currently out of the picture, Joshua’s immediate comeback opponents are being considered carefully. Hearn has revealed a three-man shortlist for Joshua’s next fight, excluding Fury and reigning champions Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois, who are both unavailable due to their own commitments. Dubois, for instance, is set to face Usyk on July 19, 2025, ruling him out as a potential opponent for Joshua this year.
Among the contenders for Joshua’s comeback bout are Dillian Whyte, Jared Anderson, and Deontay Wilder. Whyte, who lost to Joshua via TKO at London’s O2 Arena about a decade ago, was initially the frontrunner to face Joshua next. However, Whyte is now scheduled to fight Moses Itauma on August 16, 2025, which complicates the possibility of a rematch with Joshua in 2025. Should Whyte emerge from that fight unscathed, a future rematch with Joshua could still be on the cards.
Jared Anderson, a 25-year-old American knockout artist, is also in the mix. Anderson had an impressive rise with 16 wins, 14 by knockout, before suffering a stoppage loss to Martin Bakole in August 2024. He bounced back with a unanimous decision victory over Marios Kollias in February 2025, though he was not at his most destructive. Anderson’s youth and power make him an intriguing opponent to test Joshua’s readiness.
Deontay Wilder, another former world champion, is scheduled to fight Tyrrell Anthony Herndon at the end of June 2025. Wilder and Joshua have been linked for a potential bout for years, but negotiations have repeatedly fallen through. Wilder’s return to the ring could set the stage for a long-anticipated clash with Joshua, provided both fighters are in top form.
While none of these potential fights would secure Joshua a third world heavyweight title, a strong performance would position him for a shot at either Usyk or Dubois down the line. More importantly, it would serve as a vital tune-up for the two fights with Fury that Hearn envisions for 2026. These bouts could define Joshua’s legacy and provide a thrilling climax to his career.
Veteran boxer and pundit Carl Froch has also offered advice to Joshua ahead of his return, urging caution against certain opponents. While specifics of Froch’s counsel remain under wraps, his experience lends weight to the strategic planning surrounding Joshua’s comeback.
As Joshua prepares to step back into the ring, anticipation is building among fans and pundits alike. His journey back from injury and defeat is a testament to his resilience and determination. Whether he faces Whyte, Anderson, Wilder, or another challenger, Joshua’s next fight will be crucial in shaping the final chapters of his storied career.
With Fury’s retirement status uncertain and other top contenders occupied, the heavyweight division remains in a state of flux. Joshua’s comeback fight, expected before the end of 2025, promises to be a pivotal moment that could set the tone for a dramatic 2026 season, potentially culminating in the long-awaited Joshua-Fury showdown.
For now, the boxing world watches and waits as Anthony Joshua prepares to reclaim his place among the heavyweight elite, with a clear eye on the ultimate prize: a legacy sealed by one last great fight.
