Joshua’s Comeback: Promoter Reveals Timeline and Target Opponents

Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn has given an update on Anthony Joshua’s return following his elbow surgery — confirming that the British heavyweight is expected to fight once later this year, most likely in September or beyond.

“Before the fight with Dubois — and it’s not uncommon — he had a bit of elbow pain. Nothing that affected his performance. Sparring went well. But during the fight, it worsened slightly. Still, nothing major.

Back then everyone said, ‘Let’s run it back in February.’ We said he wouldn’t be ready — he was in pain. I told everyone he wouldn’t return to training before January.

So he came back in January, tried to train, and it wasn’t going well. They told him to rest for 10 to 12 weeks — he wanted to avoid surgery.

He did the rehab, returned to camp. In March, he still wasn’t feeling right. Saw a specialist — it was: ‘Do this for four to six weeks, then this for four to six weeks…’

Eventually, he went back and they told him: ‘You need surgery.’ Nothing serious — just an arthroscopy and the usual stuff.

I told AJ, ‘Mate, maybe you should say something publicly — people keep asking me what’s going on.’ He replied, ‘I’ll say something after I’ve had the operation.’

Then he did an interview on the way back and said he’d be getting surgery on the elbow.

It’s scheduled for this week or next, and recovery should take four to six weeks. He’ll fight only once this year — likely September or later.

That gives us a chance to see what happens in Usyk vs Dubois, and more importantly, what’s next for Mr. Fury,” Hearn said.