Joshua Could Fight Again Before Year’s End? Hearn Responds

Eddie Hearn, head of Matchroom Boxing, has revealed the latest on the future of former world Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua — and hinted that Joshua might return to the ring sooner than expected.

According to Hearn, the current plan is for Joshua to fight in February, followed by a major bout in the summer of 2025. However, he did not rule out the possibility of Joshua taking an additional fight before the end of this year.

“It makes sense. Sometimes you have to do what’s right for the fighter — for his development, rhythm, confidence, timing. There’s always pressure on Joshua — big arenas, big fights. He never gets the chance to just get in the ring and loosen up.

He’s constantly under pressure — he always has to fight ‘someone big.’ But a low-pressure fight would give him the opportunity to relax, regain sharpness, and reset.

That could happen before the end of this year — before the February fight. And after that, maybe it’s Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, or another top guy,” Hearn said.

Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) last fought in September 2024, when he was knocked out in the fifth round by Daniel Dubois. In May, the Brit underwent elbow surgery.