Who Joshua Could Face in His Return: Hearn Names Three Options

Matchroom Boxing head Eddie Hearn revealed potential opponents for Anthony Joshua’s return to the ring.

"Tony Yoka keeps coming up. I don’t know where that name came from, but if you’re talking about a pool of 10 fighters, then yes, he’s in there.

The first fight back definitely won’t be against Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker, or Moses Itauma. It’s going to be a real fight, but not against someone in the top five. Maybe not even against someone in the top seven or eight.

As for Bakole, I’d put it this way: that’s not an easy fight. There’s also Ajagba, the Nigerian. That’s another good option.

Forget all the jokes about Martin Bakole and him coming in overweight. That’s a tough fight, he’s a good fighter. You just have to ask yourself: after 15 months out of the ring, is that the right opponent for a comeback? Maybe," said Hearn.

The 35-year-old Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) has not fought since his stoppage defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024.