Eddie Hearn has announced that former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua will return to the ring in 2025, marking a strategic pause in his career following a devastating loss to Daniel Dubois in March 2024.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Joshua, who turned 35 in October, as he navigates perhaps the most challenging period of his professional career. The British-Nigerian fighter’s journey in 2023 had initially seemed promising, with four consecutive victories suggesting a resurgence in form. However, the shocking defeat to Dubois, which came after a spectacular first-round knockout win over Francis Ngannou, dramatically altered his comeback trajectory.
Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, maintains unwavering confidence in his fighter’s future, emphatically dismissing retirement speculation. Anthony loves boxing; he’d fight forever if he could,” Hearn stated, highlighting Joshua’s enduring passion for the sport despite recent setbacks. The promoter’s strategy involves a carefully planned return, with training camp scheduled to begin in January 2025, targeting a comeback fight in April or May of that year.
What sets this comeback apart from Joshua’s previous career rebuilding efforts is the ambitious approach being taken. Unlike his recovery period following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, where he faced fighters like Jermaine Franklin to rebuild confidence, this time there will be no gradual return through tune-up fights. Hearn has made it clear that Joshua’s future lies exclusively in high-profile matchups, acknowledging that time is now a crucial factor in the veteran boxer’s career.
At this stage in his career, Anthony doesn’t need warm-ups,” Hearn explained, emphasizing the shift in strategy. “He’s going straight in. There’s no appeal in smaller fights; it’s about making the big ones happen.” This direct approach reflects both the urgency of Joshua’s situation and his maintained status as one of boxing’s premier attractions.
The timing of Joshua’s return appears carefully calculated. After an intensive period that saw him fight four times in less than a year, the extended break is designed to allow for both physical and mental recuperation. This rest period could prove crucial for a fighter who has been consistently active at the highest level of heavyweight boxing for nearly a decade.
Joshua’s position in the heavyweight division remains significant despite recent setbacks. His ability to draw massive crowds and generate substantial pay-per-view interest continues to make him one of boxing’s most marketable figures, both in the United Kingdom and internationally. This enduring appeal ensures that his return will be a major event in the boxing calendar, regardless of the opponent.
The landscape of potential matchups for Joshua’s return will largely be shaped by developments in the heavyweight division during his absence. Key factors include the outcome of Tyson Fury’s anticipated bout with Usyk and Dubois’ February title defense. These results will significantly influence the negotiation landscape for Joshua’s comeback fight.
This planned return represents more than just another fight; it marks a critical juncture in Joshua’s storied career. Having already achieved significant success, including Olympic gold in 2012 and multiple world heavyweight titles, this next phase will likely define his legacy in the sport. The extended break, combined with the commitment to pursuing only major fights upon his return, suggests a carefully considered strategy aimed at maximizing his remaining time in the ring.
As the boxing world awaits Joshua’s return, the next year will be crucial in determining whether this calculated pause can rejuvenate one of heavyweight boxing’s most compelling figures. The success or failure of this comeback could well write the final chapters of Joshua’s remarkable boxing story.
