Joshua Eyes July Return Ahead of Fury Clash

Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that Anthony Joshua could return to the ring in July under a proposed two-fight arrangement tied to Riyadh Season. The plan, as outlined in interviews with talkSPORT and Sky Sports, would set up a high-profile showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year. Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, has been out of action since December, when he secured a knockout victory in his last bout. Since then, he has resumed training and was recently seen ringside as Fury defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov in a comeback performance that reignited talk of a long-anticipated all-British clash.

In the immediate aftermath of that victory, Fury publicly challenged Joshua, renewing calls for a fight that has been discussed for nearly a decade. Despite the mounting anticipation, Joshua stopped short of committing, with negotiations and scheduling still under review.

Hearn confirmed that the current roadmap involves an interim fight in July before a potential blockbuster meeting with Fury in November. The sequence reflects a shift from earlier timelines, which had pencilled in a spring return followed by a summer showdown.

The promoter suggested that the delay was influenced by personal and physical considerations in Joshua’s life, including recovery and readiness to resume full training. “We received the contract last week, we are going through that,” Hearn said, adding that the fighter is close to being cleared for full preparation.

“We expect to see him back in the ring in July. The original plan was to fight in March, then to fight Tyson Fury in August. Given everything that has happened, that has been delayed. July and November are the two dates that have been presented to us now and we expect to move forward.”

Speculation had linked Deontay Wilder as a possible opponent for Joshua’s return, particularly after Wilder’s recent win over Derek Chisora. However, that option now appears unlikely under the current agreement.

Hearn made clear that stakeholders are wary of jeopardising the proposed Fury fight by matching Joshua with a high-risk opponent beforehand. “The deal that we have been offered to fight in July and then fight Tyson Fury in November is not with Deontay Wilder in mind,” he said.

“The powers that be don’t really want us to be in that type of fight. This is an offer that has been made by Turki Alalshikh, Ring and Riyadh Season… and that looks like the route that we will take.”

While emphasising that Joshua’s camp remains open to facing Wilder, Hearn acknowledged the commercial and strategic priorities shaping the decision. “We have no problem fighting Wilder, but I don’t think it will be Wilder under the basis of this deal,” he added, underscoring that the Fury bout remains “the mountaintop” of the current plan.