Promoter Eddie Hearn shared updated information about former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua's plans to return to the ring after a tragic accident in Nigeria, in which the boxer lost two close members of his team.
"Initially, we planned for AJ to fight in March, and then face Tyson Fury in August. That will not happen. He will not fight Fury in the next match," Hearn said in a conversation with BoxingScene.
According to the promoter, Joshua is currently in a phase of active rest and gradual preparation. "I believe he will return at the end of the summer, but physically he is not yet in the condition to return to camp. So I’m planning everything, but he is just resting and preparing," Hearn added.
Among the possible return dates, July is being considered. "I'm looking at options for his return to the ring in July, but we'll know how realistic that is when Joshua returns to camp. I hope this will happen in a few weeks or a month," the promoter noted.
Hearn acknowledged that any fight after what Joshua has been through will be associated with increased risks. "I think any fight is dangerous when you're coming back from what Joshua has been through. I believe we are open to a fight with Tyson Fury, but perhaps it is more likely at the end of this year or the beginning of 2027," he emphasized.
Recall, the tragedy occurred on December 29 last year on a highway in Nigeria. The accident resulted in the deaths of trainers Latif Ayodele and Sina Gami. Joshua himself received minor injuries.
