Anthony Joshua will return before the end of 2025 on the undercard of one of Matchroom Boxing’s remaining shows.
The ferocious punching heavyweight has not fought since his brutal KO defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September last year.
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Joshua hasn’t fought since having surgery after his defeat to DuboisCredit: GETTY
Several plans have been touted by AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn, with the primary focus on luring bitter rival Tyson Fury back into the ring in 2026.
Joshua has also been heavily linked to a showdown in Africa in early 2026, with several opponents putting their name forward including Tony Yoka.
But it has now been confirmed by Hearn in a stunning new development, that Joshua will grace the ring before the end of the year.
When asked if Joshua will return on one of the three cards Matchroom Boxing have slated before the end of 2026, Hearn simply replied: “Yes.”
There are now three options for Joshua after Hearn’s confirmation for the Briton to return before the end of 2025.
Perhaps the most surprising one given the tight turnaround, would be on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr’s huge rematch with Conor Benn on November 15.
More likely options would be in the US on the undercard of Diego Pacheco vs Kevin Lele Sadjo on December 13 in California.
And Hearn is also working on the show topped by Naoya Inoue on December 27 in Saudi Arabia, which would be a welcome boost to the show with Joshua’s potential addition.
Joshua is already back in camp and is awaiting official confirmation of his next move.
But Hearn’s admission is the biggest indicator yet that we will see the Briton back in the squared circle before the turn of the year.
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But Hearn has confirmed Joshua will now be back before the end of 2025Credit: QueensberryWho could Anthony Joshua face on his return?
Joshua is unlikely to face significant big-name opposition if he is to return on the undercard of a big bill.
It will be AJ’s first time not headlining a show since his brutal KO victory over Kevin Johnson in 2015 as a preliminary bout to Kell Brook’s clash with Frankie Gavin at the O2 arena.
The Briton was far less of a superstar name at the time, merely a frightening prospect, but he is now one of the biggest commercial powerhouses in boxing.
As a result, Joshua will simply be looking to find his way back to winning ways and work away any ring rust ahead of a mammoth 2026.
And Hearn confirmed it will simply be a run-out with no mega-fights being explored until next year.
He said: “All I’m saying is, if he fights this year, it will just be a ‘run out’ fight.
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Joshua is highly unlikely to fight a leading contender upon his quickfire returnCredit: Getty
“Because, coming back and fighting in a big arena, in a tough fight after being out for a year and a half, it’s not easy.
“And it isn’t about the money in this fight this year.”