Anthony Joshua has announced that he plans to return to the ring in December, news that could put a superfight with Tyson Fury off the table – for now.
Joshua has not fought since September last year, when he was demolished inside five rounds by Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
The British two-time world heavyweight champion (now 28-4 after that Dubois loss) has struggled with injuries ever since, with his upcoming elbow surgery set to keep him out of the gym for the next two months.
AJ’s likely next opponent has always been fellow British superstar Tyson Fury, with a September date mooted after ‘The Gypsy King’ hinted strongly last week that he is coming out of retirement.
Joshua gives return timeline
However in an interview with ESPN Mexico, Joshua offered up a timeline for his return, and suggested a December date for his fighting comeback.
He said: “I will fight again in December. I just want my body to feel good before I get back in the ring. It’s a simple job.”
A Joshua return in December would mean he has not fought for 15 months, and could have a major impact on his chances of fighting Fury right away, especially since a fight in a UK stadium in the winter is unlikely.
A potential showdown vs Fury would then likely be pushed into 2026 or take place overseas in Saudi Arabia.
Potential opponents for AJ
Joshua has mentioned Martin Bakole, Agit Kabayel and Deontay Wilder as possible opponents in December, but Wilder must first beat Tyrrell Herndon in his comeback fight on June 27. Joshua and Wilder had been set to meet in March 24 before ‘The Bronze Bomber’ lost to Joseph Parker.
Joshua has claimed to have received plenty of offers, including a high-profile one from YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, but he admits he needs to work on his physical condition before he is ready for a comeback.
He added: “My body has been through a lot. If I want to continue boxing for a long time, I have to make sure my body is really good before I get back in the ring. I’m still training, but I’m rebuilding myself.
“To be a world champion, you have to be great, not just good. In my last fight I was good, but not great. To be a champion, you really have to be at your best and I have to improve my game.”
