British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua could be set to retire from professional boxing as early as 2026, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn. The former unified heavyweight champion is reportedly preparing for a comeback fight later this year, following elbow surgery in May, but Hearn has hinted that Joshua may only have about three more fights left in his career.
Speaking to DAZN and The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Hearn revealed that Joshua’s next fight is expected between October and December 2025, marking his first bout since his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. “By the time he steps back into the ring, AJ will have been out for just over a year and he’ll be coming off surgery,” Hearn said. With Tyson Fury unlikely to be ready for a fight around that period, the promoter said the team is considering an opponent who can prepare Joshua for a significant showdown in 2026.
Earlier, Dillian Whyte was tipped as Joshua’s likely comeback opponent, but with Whyte now close to finalising a fight against British-Nigerian rising star Moses Itauma in Saudi Arabia, new options have opened up. American heavyweight Deontay Wilder and promising prospect Jared Anderson are now in the mix to face Joshua.
Looking ahead, Hearn painted a picture of what could be the final phase of Joshua’s boxing journey. “2026 will probably be his last year in the sport,” he stated. “If I’m advising AJ, we’re back this year, have two Tyson Fury fights, and what else is there to do? Maybe fight Daniel Dubois. But once AJ fights Tyson Fury, he’s kind of done it all.”
Hearn also did not dismiss the possibility of a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, who inflicted two of Joshua’s four professional defeats, but he cautioned against extending the boxer’s career indefinitely. “You just keep going on and on. Now, if we get to next year and he’s still firing on all cylinders, then 2026 won’t be his last year. But for me, something feels right about coming back this year, beating Tyson Fury twice and then sailing off into the sunset.”
Anthony Joshua, a 2012 Olympic gold medal winner and two-time world heavyweight champion, has fought professionally 32 times, winning 28 bouts and losing four. His recent defeat to Dubois ended a four-fight winning streak and has led to serious reflection on the next steps in his career.
Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder, who has suffered back-to-back losses to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang, is scheduled to return to the ring on June 27 against Tyrrell Herndon in Kansas. A strong comeback from Wilder could reignite interest in a long-anticipated showdown with Joshua. “AJ-Wilder is a massive fight as well,” Hearn noted. “And I think because of the loss to Dubois, it makes the fight more palatable, especially if Wilder can come back with a good win.”
Though Tyson Fury, who twice lost to Usyk and announced his retirement earlier this year, has yet to confirm any return, Hearn remains hopeful the former WBC champion could come back for a major clash with Joshua.
While Anthony Joshua himself has not publicly confirmed any retirement plans, his promoter’s recent comments suggest the countdown may have begun for one of British boxing’s most celebrated fighters as he contemplates the twilight of his career.
