BRITISH-NIGERIAN, Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua’s illustrious boxing career could come to an end in 2026, according to his long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn.
The 35-year-old former two-time heavyweight world champion is currently recovering from elbow surgery and is expected to return to the ring later this year, targeting a comeback fight in September.
However, Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua is likely approaching the final stretch of his professional boxing journey.
“Probably 2026 will be his last year in the sport,” Hearn said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“You never know, but thinking about it realistically, it’s probably three fights away. If I’m advising AJ, I’m thinking: ‘We’re back this year, then two Tyson Fury fights; what else is there to do?’”
Anthony Joshua, who turned professional in 2013 after winning Olympic gold at London 2012, has not fought since suffering a shock fifth-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024, a loss that cost him the IBF heavyweight title.
While a much-anticipated showdown with long-time rival Tyson Fury has been long discussed, Hearn suggested that the blockbuster fight is unlikely to happen in 2025.
Still, he believes it’s the final frontier for Joshua before calling time on a decorated career.
“I’d love him to have another crack at Dubois; I’d love him to fight (Oleksandr) Usyk again,” Hearn added. “But something feels right about beating Tyson Fury twice and then sailing off into the sunset.”
Joshua’s career highlights include two reigns as the unified heavyweight champion. However, his path back to the top has been rocky since consecutive losses to Usyk in 2021 and 2022, followed by last year’s devastating loss to Dubois.
