Two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring before the end of the calendar year, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn
Eddie Hearn has hinted that Anthony Joshua is gearing up for a surprise comeback fight before the end of 2025. The 36-year-old last stepped into the ring in September 2024, where he was defeated by Daniel Dubois at Wembley.
Following his recovery from elbow surgery over the summer, Joshua has been hinting at a return to boxing. Initially, a February comeback was suggested, but Hearn believes Joshua could be fighting within the next two months.
Matchroom has events scheduled for November 15, December 13 and December 27, and when asked if the former two-time heavyweight champion Joshua would feature in one of these, Hearn simply responded: “Yes.”
Earlier this year, Joshua was in discussions to take on Jake Paul, the 28 year old YouTuber-turned-boxer. However, talks were halted when Paul announced he would be facing Gervonta Davis, 30, in an exhibition match streamed live on Netflix on Friday, November 14.
But now, that fight is under question after Davis was accused of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress by his ex-girlfriend, who is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 (£38,145).
Hearn revealed that he has proposed Joshua as a potential replacement if Davis is unable to compete.
Hearn stated: “We’re available. Subject to, of course, the global home of boxing in which we have exclusivity with, Anthony Joshua has exclusivity with.
“If you’re asking me, do we take the fight? Of course we take the fight. It would be a nice way to end this little journey. Does Jake Paul really want to fight Anthony Joshua? He’s a crazy guy, he’s a crazy guy.
“Maybe he thinks he can catch Anthony Joshua on the fly, hasn’t really been in training camp. Nothing too much to report to you right now but should the opportunity present itself it would be a huge fight. Never say never.”
Discussing his comeback plans back in June, Joshua disclosed he’s taking his sweet time weighing up his return to the ring.
“This [boxing] is my life,” Joshua declared at a Matchroom promotional bash, where Eddie Hearn’s outfit rolled out fresh branding.
“But what I’ve done is I took a year out for the first time in 12 to 13 years as a professional, not including the amateur stuff. I took a year out to get my body right.
“I’m at a different stage of my career. I can look at time differently. I haven’t got all these years in front of me, so I’ve got to make an executive decision over what I do next.”