Two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is edging closer to his long-awaited return.
The 36-year-old from Watford has not appeared in a ring since he suffered a fifth round stoppage defeat to countryman Daniel Dubois in September of last year, the fourth of his professional career.
Joshua had been due to make his comeback at some stage this year although this now appears to be unlikely after he had surgery on a re-occurring injury to his elbow.
Whilst it had been reported that the two-time unified heavyweight champion will headline a card in either January or February of 2026, his promoter Eddie Hearn issued an important update recently which could see ‘AJ’ return sooner than initially expected.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Hearn revealed that Joshua’s comeback fight could actually take place on an undercard before the end of the year, something AJ hasn’t done since his stoppage win against Kevin Johnson over ten years ago in 2015.
“I think it’s probably 50-50 that he will fight again this year … If he goes on an undercard somewhere, it gives him a chance to get in the flow again and it would be very beneficial to his career.
“We’ve got Dec 13th in California. There is also the show in Riyadh on Dec 27th. It might not even be something we announce weeks and weeks before. He is in the gym and staying ready so we could say ‘You’re out in two weeks in an eight-rounder’.”
Whilst it remains to be seen who exactly Joshua will be sharing the ring with next, reports are suggesting that the 36-year-old could be in line for a showdown with Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov following his victory over Dave Allen.
