Anthony Joshua’s return to boxing seems to be fast approaching, and another update on his comeback has been issued.
Out of action for over a year at this stage, Watford megastar Anthony Joshua has yet to fight since his devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois.
And missing out on a return to the ring against Jake Paul, Joshua was jilted by the Ohio native, who will instead face WBA lightweight gold holder Gervonta Davis in November.
However, a shortlist of potential foes has been outlined for Joshua, including a fellow Olympic gold medal winner.
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Anthony Joshua ruled from top-five opponents by promoter
Ruled from a host of high-profile pairings next, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Joshua would not be sharing the ring with the likes of Moses Itauma, or even fellow UK veteran Derek Chisora next.
As far as the Dagenham native is concerned, Joshua’s return fight — which already has a pencilled date — could come opposite French contender Tony Yoka who won gold at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Tony Yoka — he’s definitely on a list of, I don’t know, 10 [fighters Anthony Joshua could face]?” Hearn told Sky Sports. “I expect it to be a top-20 guy. It’s not going to be top-five.
Now he’s back in training, and my conversations over the last couple of weeks have been very positive with him locking in a fight date and returning. …He’s like, ‘let’s go, I’m back’, and that’s where we’re up to. So the next move is to lock in that fight in early 2026, and then we want Tyson Fury.”
Tyson Fury’s future cast into doubt by his promoter
Himself announcing another career retirement at the turn of the year, former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has been on a collision course with fellow UK talent Joshua for years at this stage.
However, on the back of his pair of decision losses to common opponent Oleksandr Usyk, Morecambe star Fury called time on his run in the ring again.
Furthermore, amid links to a return to boxing at the turn of the year, Fury’s long-time promoter, Queensberry Promotions boss Frank Warren, provided a less-than-favorable update.