Anthony Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight champion, is preparing for a return to the boxing ring in 2025, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn. The announcement follows a challenging period for Joshua, including a devastating loss to Daniel Dubois that disrupted his journey back to the top of the heavyweight division.
Hearn confirmed the plans for Joshua’s comeback, emphasizing the boxer’s enduring passion for the sport. “Anthony loves boxing; he’d fight forever if he could,” Hearn stated, dismissing any speculation that the British-Nigerian star might retire after his latest setback.
Joshua, who turned 35 on October 15, started 2023 with impressive momentum, winning four consecutive fights. The run included a first-round knockout of Francis Ngannou, reigniting hopes for his return to heavyweight dominance. However, his March 2024 encounter with Dubois ended in a crushing defeat, forcing a pause in his career revival.
The loss marked a significant stumbling block, with Hearn acknowledging the need for Joshua to recover mentally and physically. “After fighting four times in less than a year, Anthony needs to recharge,” Hearn explained. “He’ll resume camp in January 2025, which sets him up perfectly for an April or May return to action.”
Hearn made it clear that Joshua’s comeback will not feature tune-up fights, signaling a bold approach for the former champion. “At this stage in his career, Anthony doesn’t need warm-ups,” Hearn said. “He’s going straight in. There’s no appeal in smaller fights; it’s about making the big ones happen.”
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This strategy reflects a departure from Joshua’s previous rebuilding phase, where he faced lower-ranked opponents like Jermaine Franklin to regain confidence after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022. Now, with time working against him, Joshua’s focus is firmly on high-stakes matchups.
Despite recent challenges, Joshua remains one of boxing’s most marketable stars, capable of selling out arenas and drawing significant pay-per-view audiences. His return is expected to shake up the heavyweight division, with potential bouts against Tyson Fury or a rematch with Dubois generating considerable buzz.
The timeline for these marquee fights depends on the outcomes of Fury’s clash with Oleksandr Usyk and Dubois’ title defense in February. Hearn remains optimistic about securing major matchups for Joshua.
“Anthony is still a key player in the heavyweight division,” Hearn said. “The big fights are what motivate him, and that’s exactly what we’re working towards in 2025.”
As the countdown to his comeback begins, Joshua’s fans will be eager to see if the former champion can overcome his setbacks and reclaim his place at the pinnacle of boxing.