Anthony “AJ” Joshua, the British boxing sensation and former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, remains one of the most compelling figures in professional boxing. His career has been a rollercoaster of exhilarating highs and devastating lows, consistently drawing massive global attention. As of late June 2025, the boxing world eagerly anticipates his next move, especially after a recent setback and a period of recovery.
The Current Landscape: Recovery and Anticipated Return
Joshua is currently recovering from elbow surgery, an operation described as successful, which he underwent after his last bout. This period of recuperation has naturally put his immediate fighting future on hold. However, his team is actively planning his return, with promoter Eddie Hearn indicating a potential comeback in late 2025 – specifically October, November, or December. This timeline suggests a strategic approach to his recovery and preparation, ensuring he is in optimal condition for his next challenge.
The boxing schedule for 2025 is already taking shape with other significant fights, but Joshua’s next opponent is yet to be officially confirmed. Despite this, speculation is rife, and a few key names continue to surface as potential adversaries for the former champion.
Recent Bouts and Their Impact
To understand where Anthony Joshua stands, it’s crucial to look at his most recent performances. His last fight, on September 21, 2024, saw him suffer a knockout loss in the fifth round against Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in an IBF title clash. This defeat was a significant blow, marking his fourth professional loss.
Prior to the Dubois fight, Joshua had shown a resurgence. On March 8, 2024, he delivered a brutal second-round knockout of former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This dominant performance showcased his power and technical prowess, leading many to believe he was firmly back on track. Before Ngannou, Joshua secured a fifth-round technical knockout against Otto Wallin on December 23, 2023, and a seventh-round knockout of Robert Helenius on August 12, 2023. He also went the distance and won by unanimous decision against Jermaine Franklin on April 1, 2023. These victories demonstrated his ability to rebound and his continued dedication to the sport, even after previous losses to Oleksandr Usyk.
The Dubois loss, however, brought back questions about his resilience and ability to handle pressure, particularly after being caught and stopped. His trainer, Ben Davison, even alluded to a game plan that “didn’t get going in the early part of the fight,” highlighting areas for improvement.
Who is Anthony Joshua Fighting Next? The Perpetual Question
This is arguably the most frequently asked question concerning Anthony Joshua on Google. While no official announcement has been made, several names are consistently linked with his return.
Deontay Wilder: The long-awaited clash between Joshua and Deontay Wilder, often dubbed the “Bronze Bomber,” remains a tantalizing prospect for boxing fans. Despite both fighters experiencing recent setbacks (Wilder lost to Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang), the allure of this matchup persists due to their history and the explosive power they both possess. Promoter Eddie Hearn has mentioned Wilder as a potential opponent for AJ’s return, suggesting a fight could happen in late 2025, potentially setting up a bigger showdown for 2026. Wilder himself has expressed a continued desire for the fight, though acknowledging the dwindling excitement given the repeated missed opportunities.
Tyson Fury: The dream fight for many, an all-British undisputed heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, has always been the white whale of modern heavyweight boxing. However, with Fury announcing his retirement following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, this fight seems less likely in the immediate future. While some, including Barry Jones, believe the fight will eventually happen, Hearn has explicitly stated that Fury will not be Joshua’s next opponent. The plan, according to Hearn, is for Joshua to fight at the end of 2025 and then potentially face Fury “certainly once” in 2026 if Fury comes out of retirement.
Other names that have been mentioned as potential future opponents include Joseph Parker (who recently defeated Wilder), Hughie Fury, Filip Hrgovic, and Dillian Whyte. Given Joshua’s high profile, he has the flexibility to pursue various top-ten heavyweights.
Predictions and Public Sentiment
Boxing pundits and fans alike are always quick to offer their predictions for Anthony Joshua’s fights. Before his bout with Daniel Dubois, many experts, including Oleksandr Usyk, leaned towards an AJ victory, often predicting a stoppage. The general sentiment was that Joshua’s experience, technical superiority, and power would be too much for Dubois, despite the latter’s punching power. The outcome, however, proved otherwise, underscoring the unpredictable nature of heavyweight boxing.
Going forward, any predictions for Joshua’s next fight will undoubtedly factor in the Dubois loss and his recovery. There will be a keen eye on his defensive improvements and how he handles pressure, especially against another hard-hitting opponent. His promoter has emphasized that his return fight is crucial and its performance will “tell us a lot about the future of Anthony Joshua.”
Awaiting the Return: Elbow Recovery and Strategic Planning
Following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, Anthony Joshua underwent successful elbow surgery. This necessary procedure has sidelined him, but his team, led by promoter Eddie Hearn, is diligently working on his comeback. While no concrete date or opponent has been announced, the focus is firmly on a return to the ring in late 2025, likely in October, November, or December. This measured approach prioritizes full recovery and optimal preparation, rather than rushing him back into action.
Recent reports indicate that Joshua is currently on an “African tour,” with visits to Nigeria and Ghana, suggesting a balance between recovery and maintaining his global presence. Hearn has stated that Joshua isn’t quite ready for a full training camp yet, but is getting close, emphasizing the importance of his physical well-being before committing to a fight.
The Dubois Aftermath and Lessons Learned
The fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois was a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of heavyweight boxing. It marked Joshua’s fourth professional defeat and raised questions about his tactical approach. His coach, Ben Davison, later shed light on the controversial “roll the dice” instruction given to Joshua before the decisive fifth round. Davison explained it was a specific technical instruction related to a double-jab and an uppercut, aiming to counter Dubois’s defensive movements, rather than a general directive to take reckless risks. This clarification highlights the intricate strategies at play in elite boxing and the often-misunderstood communication between a fighter and their corner.
Despite the setback, Joshua’s previous four victories in 2023 and early 2024 (against Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, Otto Wallin, and Francis Ngannou) demonstrated his enduring power and ability to rebuild. The Ngannou knockout, in particular, was a highlight, showcasing a sharp and destructive version of Joshua that many fans had been eager to see. The Dubois fight, however, re-emphasized the need for consistent performance and defensive solidity at the highest level.
The Endless Speculation: Who’s Next for AJ?
The question of “who Anthony Joshua is fighting next” remains a constant buzz in the boxing community. While the immediate focus is on his recovery and a carefully selected opponent for his return, the long-term aspirations involve some of the biggest names in the division.
Deontay Wilder: The potential clash with Deontay Wilder continues to be a recurring theme. Despite both fighters coming off losses, the allure of this long-awaited matchup persists due to their explosive styles and the narrative of a fight that should have happened years ago. Wilder is scheduled for a comeback fight against Tyrrell Anthony Herndon later this month (June 2025), and a victory there would certainly reignite the calls for a Joshua-Wilder showdown. Hearn has openly discussed the possibility of Joshua fighting Wilder in late 2025, potentially as a precursor to even bigger fights in 2026. Wilder himself has confirmed his willingness to fight Joshua if both remain active in the division.
Tyson Fury: The undisputed heavyweight clash between Joshua and Tyson Fury remains the ultimate dream fight for British boxing fans. However, Fury’s recent defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and his subsequent announcement of retirement have complicated matters. While Hearn has unequivocally stated that Fury will not be Joshua’s next opponent, he also maintains hope for the fight to materialize in 2026. The financial incentives alone are likely to be too significant for either fighter to ignore, even if it’s a “comeback” fight for Fury. The idea is for Joshua to have a strong performance in late 2025 and then potentially pursue Fury “at least once” in the following year.
Other names mentioned as potential opponents for Joshua’s return include Jared Anderson, Agit Kabayel, and even a rematch with Dillian Whyte, though Whyte has a fight scheduled against Moses Itauma in August. The choice of opponent for his comeback will be critical, serving as a gauge of his recovery, confidence, and readiness for the elite challenges that lie ahead.
The Countdown to Retirement: A Final Legacy Push?
Perhaps the most significant new development in the Anthony Joshua narrative is the increasing talk of his impending retirement. Eddie Hearn has been candid, suggesting that 2026 could be Joshua’s final year in the sport. This puts a heightened sense of urgency on his upcoming fights, transforming them into a “final roll” of his incredible career.
This potential timeline implies that Joshua is looking for three or four more significant fights to solidify his legacy. The goal, according to Hearn, is to face the elite heavyweights of his generation, ideally including both Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, before hanging up his gloves. Such a swansong would undoubtedly cement his place as one of the most impactful heavyweights of his era, regardless of the outcomes.
What the Future Holds: A Pivotal Period
Anthony Joshua stands at a crucial juncture in his career. His recovery from elbow surgery, the selection of his next opponent, and the broader strategic plan for his final fights will all shape his ultimate legacy. The public’s anticipation for his return is palpable, and every move he makes will be scrutinized.
As the boxing world awaits an official announcement regarding his next fight, the narrative around Anthony Joshua continues to be one of resilience, ambition, and the enduring quest for greatness. Whether he faces Wilder, Fury, or another top contender, his next performance will be a definitive statement, signaling his intentions for what could be the thrilling culmination of an illustrious career.
FAQs
When is Anthony Joshua’s next fight?
Anthony Joshua does not currently have an official date for his next fight. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has indicated that Joshua is expected to return to the ring in late 2025, likely in October, November, or December, following recovery from elbow surgery.
Who is Anthony Joshua fighting next?
No opponent has been officially confirmed for Anthony Joshua’s next fight. Speculation heavily links him to a potential clash with Deontay Wilder. Other names like Jared Anderson and a rematch with Dillian Whyte have also been mentioned as possibilities for his comeback fight. A highly anticipated fight against Tyson Fury is not expected to be his immediate next opponent, but remains a long-term goal for 2026.
Is Anthony Joshua considering retirement?
Yes, there has been increasing talk of Anthony Joshua’s potential retirement. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has suggested that 2026 could be his last year in professional boxing, aiming for a final “three or four fights” to solidify his legacy, possibly including bouts against Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.
Why did Anthony Joshua lose to Daniel Dubois?
In his last fight, Anthony Joshua was defeated by Daniel Dubois via a fifth-round knockout. Dubois landed significant punches, dropping Joshua multiple times before the final stoppage. Joshua’s corner also gave a controversial instruction to “roll the dice” before the decisive round, which his coach later clarified as a specific technical combination rather than a reckless command.
The Road Ahead
Anthony Joshua’s career has been defined by his ambition and resilience. Despite the recent setback against Daniel Dubois, his standing as a global boxing icon remains strong. His upcoming return will be a pivotal moment, determining not only his immediate trajectory but also setting the stage for what could be the final, legacy-defining chapter of an extraordinary career. The boxing world will be watching closely to see if “AJ” can once again ascend to the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.
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