Eddie Hearn’s Insights on Anthony Joshua’s Career
Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Anthony Joshua, has suggested that 2026 might mark the conclusion of Joshua’s boxing career. At the age of 35, Joshua, with a record of 28 wins and 4 losses (including 25 knockouts), recently underwent elbow surgery. The heavyweight boxer is anticipated to step back into the ring for at least one match this year, with eyes set on a potential comeback in September.
Future Matches and Retirement Thoughts
Despite ongoing discussions regarding a highly anticipated match against Tyson Fury, Hearn cautions that such a bout is unlikely to occur in 2025. He estimates that Joshua may only have a handful of fights left, projecting around three more outings before he decides to retire from the sport.
“I suspect 2026 will likely signal his final year in boxing. While there’s always uncertainty in this sport, logically he seems to have about three fights left. If I were coaching AJ, I’d return to the ring this year, seek out two fights with Tyson Fury, and reflect on what other achievements remain.”
Potential Matches and Rivalries
Hearn mentioned a potential match with Daniel Dubois as an option for Joshua’s future, but feels that after facing Fury, Joshua would have accomplished everything possible in his boxing career. It is worth noting that Joshua suffered a knockout loss to Dubois in September of the previous year.
Hearn expressed a desire for Joshua to challenge Dubois again and even to have another chance at Oleksandr Usyk. He added that if Joshua were to perform exceptionally well leading up to 2026, it’s possible he may reconsider the timing of his retirement. Hearn concluded that the scenario of Joshua defeating Fury twice sounds like an appropriate farewell for the former champion before exiting the sport gracefully.