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<\/p>\nAnthony Joshua\u2019s comeback plans are finally becoming clear. According to promoter Eddie Hearn, the former two-time heavyweight champion is more likely to return to the ring in January or February 2026, with talks ongoing for a blockbuster site deal in Ghana. Hearn also confirmed Joshua\u2019s next outing will serve as a \u201cwarm-up\u201d before the big roll of the dice \u2014 ideally against Tyson Fury, but if not, another top-five heavyweight.<\/p>\n
Hearn admitted the long-rumoured December date is off the table: \u201cAs the time ticks by, it\u2019s probably more likely that we see [Anthony Joshua] in the ring again for a January\/February date if I\u2019m honest. I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any value in us saying it will be in December.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Will Joshua\u2019s Africa Return Mirror Ali vs Foreman?<\/p>\n
Joshua has been back in training following elbow surgery, but the intrigue lies in where his return will take place. \u201cIt was well publicised about the meetings that took place in Ghana over the last couple of weeks,\u201d Hearn said. \u201cThere has been an offer to do a fight there and I think it would be incredible for AJ to fight in Africa. However, when you are doing site deals a lot of it depends on when the host wants to stage the show.\u201d<\/p>\n
Why Hearn Wants a Warm-Up Before the Fury Fight<\/p>\n
Hearn was clear about the roadmap: \u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s a rush, albeit he has been out of the ring for almost a year now. Any fight he has next though is likely to be a warm-up fight for that \u2018roll the dice\u2019 fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
And that roll of the dice? Tyson Fury. \u201cWe hope, in an ideal world, that is Tyson Fury. If not, it will be against one of the top five heavyweights.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hearn doubled down: \u201cEvery AJ event is a massive event\u2026 these big fights take time. A win in early 2026 sets up that blockbuster, and he knows it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joshua Can\u2019t Afford Another Soft Touch<\/p>\n
My take: Joshua still sells tickets and still commands global stages \u2014 Africa would be historic. But fans are restless. They don\u2019t want another easy night; they want jeopardy. If 2026 opens with a tune-up, the summer has to deliver Fury, Wilder, or Usyk III. Anything else, and AJ\u2019s superstar shine risks slipping for good.<\/p>\n
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Amy Kaplan has been a boxing fan since she was 10 years old, which means she\u2019s spent most of her life explaining to people that yes, she really does prefer fight nights over dinner parties. Now writing for Boxing News 24, she covers everything from world title fights to prospects swinging for a payday.\u00a0 She mixes sharp analysis with sarcasm, calling out boxing politics and cutting through the press-release spin to give fans the stories that actually matter.<\/p>\n