Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua could make a surprise return to the ring before the end of the year, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn, who rated the chances at “50-50.”
Joshua has not fought since suffering a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September last year — a loss that marked his third career defeat and saw him drop out of The Ring’s heavyweight rankings after over a year of inactivity.
Speaking to The Ring, Hearn revealed that the 36-year-old Brit could feature on Matchroom’s December 13 card in Stockton, California, or The Ring’s December 27 “Night of the Samurai” show headlined by Japanese star Naoya Inoue.
“I think it’s probably 50-50 that he will fight again this year,” Hearn said. “Sometimes I mention these things and it goes crazy, but when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense from a boxing point of view — not so much from a money or commercial point of view.”
Hearn explained that Joshua could benefit from fighting on a smaller stage to rebuild rhythm and confidence.
“Every time Joshua fights, it’s a massive occasion in a big stadium. But if he goes on an undercard somewhere, it gives him a chance to get in the flow again — and that would be very beneficial to his career.”
The promoter confirmed that Joshua is actively training and staying ready, even hinting that the former unified champion could step in on two weeks’ notice.
“He originally asked me if he could just go and box on one of our Mexico shows or something. I said, ‘Mate, I can’t really hide you walking around Tijuana.’ But we’ve got December 13 in California — maybe even a show in November.”
If confirmed, the fight would mark Joshua’s first appearance since the Dubois defeat — and could signal the start of his road to redemption in the heavyweight division.
About the Author
