The question on every boxing fan’s mind in late 2025 and heading into 2026 is: what is the status of Anthony Joshua next fight? The former two-time unified heavyweight world champion, Anthony “AJ” Joshua, remains one of the most bankable and polarising figures in global sports. 

Following a turbulent run that included a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, coupled with a period of recovery from an elbow injury, the road map for his return has become the subject of intense speculation and analysis. His next move is not just a fight; it is a critical career pivot that will define his legacy in the twilight of his elite years.

Anthony Joshua’s Current Status and Road to Return

Anthony Joshua (28 wins, 4 losses, 25 KOs) is currently in a period of enforced rest and recuperation, focusing on returning to 100% fitness following an elbow injury sustained around the time of his loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. This extended layoff, which will mark over a year out of the ring, has significant implications for his return fight.

Defining the Layoff and Injury Recovery

Anthony Joshua’s last fight was a fifth-round knockout loss to British rival Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. The defeat was a significant setback, and the subsequent revelation of a required elbow operation, reported to have taken place in mid-2025, has clarified his absence.

Fact Check: Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that the target for Joshua’s comeback is now early 2026, likely in January or very early February. This pushes any potential fight out of the 2025 calendar year, making it the first time Joshua has gone a full calendar year without a professional bout since turning pro in 2013 (Source: Matchroom/DAZN reports, September 2025).

Strategic Importance: This enforced break is being framed as an opportunity for Joshua to fully recover, recharge, and make strategic adjustments with his training team, moving past the string of high-pressure mega-fights that defined his recent career.

The Mandate for a “Tune-Up” Fight

Following a knockout loss and a significant layoff, expert analysis strongly suggests that Joshua’s first fight back will be a “tune-up” or “comeback” bout. This aligns with his promoter’s public statements.

Definition of a “Tune-Up” Fight: In boxing, a tune-up fight is a non-championship, lower-stakes contest designed to shake off ring rust, test new training methods, build confidence, and ensure physical readiness before a major, high-risk championship or legacy fight.

The “Top 20” Target: Eddie Hearn has indicated that the opponent will still be a “top 20” heavyweight contender, providing a legitimate test without the immediate, career-defining risk of a top-five opponent or a world title challenge.

Analysis of Anthony Joshua Next Fight Opponents

The selection of the opponent for early 2026 is critical. It must be a stylistically favourable match-up that allows Joshua to showcase his power and conditioning, proving he is ready for the division’s elite.

High-Stakes Megafight Possibilities for Late 2026

The true intent behind the comeback fight is to set up a mega-money, legacy-defining bout later in 2026. Two names stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Tyson Fury (The Undisputed Rivalry): The long-awaited “Battle of Britain” remains the biggest fight in global boxing. Fury is reportedly retired as of early 2025 but the lure of the Joshua payday is immense. A clash between two British superstars is a guaranteed sell-out at Wembley and a global Pay-Per-View blockbuster. The narrative: Joshua attempts to win the ultimate domestic prize after his comeback.

Oleksandr Usyk (The Trilogy): Usyk, who holds multiple victories over Joshua and achieved undisputed status in 2025, represents the toughest test and the only path for Joshua to truly avenge his losses. While Usyk is nearing the end of his career, a trilogy bout would command enormous attention, especially if Usyk were to relinquish some titles, putting a vacant belt on the line.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Anthony Joshua’s Next Fight is Strategically Planned

Elite-level boxing is a masterclass in risk management and financial planning. The process for setting up Anthony Joshua’s next fight follows a precise, multi-step strategy known in the industry as the “Road to Redemption.”

Full Medical Clearance and Rehabilitation (Q3/Q4 2025)

The initial phase focuses entirely on health. This involves:

Elbow Rehabilitation: Rigorous physical therapy to ensure the surgically repaired elbow is strong, flexible, and capable of withstanding the immense force of heavyweight punching.

Mental Reset: Given the concussive nature of his last loss, a full psychological reset is necessary. Joshua has often spoken about the mental rigours of camp, and this phase focuses on regaining his ‘mojo’ and tunnel-visioned focus.

Training Camp Commences and Technical Refinement (Q4 2025)

With medical clearance, Joshua will enter a full training camp (typically 8-12 weeks).

Focus on Defence and Footwork: Following the Dubois loss, expert commentators like former champion Carl Froch stressed the need for defensive improvements. Training will likely focus heavily on head movement, ring positioning, and stamina—moving beyond his reliance on explosive power. Joshua’s training philosophy often includes a mix of conditioning, technical drills, and sparring to maintain a high level of performance (Source: William Hill/Sky Sports analysis).

Diet and Weight Management: His famously strict 4,000-5,000 calorie-a-day diet, monitored by a top-tier nutritionist, will be meticulously managed to ensure optimal weight and muscle mass for the early 2026 return.

Opponent and Venue Confirmation (Late Q4 2025)

This is the point where the commercial deal is finalized.

Target Date/Location: Early 2026 (Jan/Feb). Potential locations include the UK (O2 Arena, Wembley), or increasingly, the Middle East (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), which offers guaranteed massive site fees.

The Opponent Contract: The chosen “Top 20” contender is signed, offering a credible name but a favourable style.

Promotional Rollout and Media Engagement (Q4 2025 – Q1 2026)

The promotion for an AJ fight is a significant global event.

Narrative Control: The focus will be on the “new and improved” Joshua, highlighting his maturity, refined skills, and dedication to becoming a three-time champion. The loss to Dubois will be framed as a necessary hurdle on his redemptive journey.

Recent Trends Shaping Anthony Joshua’s Career 

The heavyweight division operates within a complex ecosystem of financial and strategic trends, particularly affecting a fighter of Joshua’s stature.

The Saudi Arabia Influence

The single biggest factor shaping elite boxing today is the immense financial power of Saudi Arabia.

Trend: The majority of the division’s mega-fights (Joshua vs. Ngannou, Usyk vs. Fury) have been hosted in Riyadh, offering site fees far exceeding any traditional US or UK venue.

Impact on AJ: Joshua’s future fights, especially the potential blockbusters with Fury or Usyk, are almost certain to land in the Kingdom. Even his comeback fight has a chance of being staged there, as it guarantees a colossal purse regardless of the opponent’s name value. This trend dictates that financial gain is currently prioritized over traditional market venues.

The Crossover ‘Exhibition’ Model

The rise of influencer boxing and lucrative crossover bouts presents an interesting, albeit controversial, option for Joshua.

Trend: The commercial success of non-traditional boxing matches (e.g., Jake Paul, Francis Ngannou) has created a new category of “gift fights” that offer enormous paydays for relatively lower sporting risk.

AJ’s Stance: While a fight with influencer Jake Paul was briefly considered for late 2025, it fell through. Joshua’s team has largely pivoted back to focusing on credible opposition, but the lure of the “Jake Paul payday” remains a viable option for 2026, especially if he struggles in his comeback fight or if the Fury/Usyk fights fail to materialise.

Veteran Comeback Success

Joshua is following in the footsteps of many great heavyweights who suffered mid-career losses but rebounded.

Real-Life Example: George Foreman: Foreman’s legendary comeback in the 1990s, culminating in him regaining the heavyweight title at age 45, serves as a blueprint. Joshua, who will be 36 in 2026, has time on his side, provided he manages his body and selects his opponents wisely. His path is clearly one of redemption, mirroring the narrative of boxing’s greatest comeback stories.

Practical Tips for Boxing Fans: How to Follow the Next Fight Announcement

Stay ahead of the curve by monitoring the right sources for official, fact-checked information.

Monitor Promoter Statements: The most trustworthy and definitive information will come directly from Matchroom Boxing (Eddie Hearn) and his co-promotional partners (e.g., DAZN or Saudi General Entertainment Authority). Pay attention to official press releases and interviews, not unverified social media rumours.

Verify via BoxRec/Authoritative News: Once a date and opponent are announced, cross-reference the details on authoritative boxing records sites (like BoxRec) and major sports news outlets (Sky Sports Boxing, ESPN, BBC Sport).

Ticket/PPV Registration: If you plan to attend or purchase the event, register interest directly on the official broadcaster (likely DAZN or Sky Sports Box Office) or ticketing partner websites immediately, as Joshua’s fights sell out instantly.

FAQs

When is Anthony Joshua’s next fight date and location?

As of late 2025, there is no official, confirmed date or opponent. However, his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has repeatedly targeted a return to the ring in early 2026, likely in January or very early February. The location is yet to be confirmed but will likely be the UK (e.g., Wembley or O2 Arena) or Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which has become the primary host for major heavyweight bouts.

Who is the most likely opponent for Anthony Joshua’s comeback fight?

The most likely opponent will be a top-20 ranked contender selected to provide a stern test without the high risk of a top-5 opponent. Names strongly rumoured include fellow Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka or a domestic rival like Joe Joyce. Promoter statements indicate the opponent will be a respected, credible name to build momentum toward a bigger fight later in 2026.

What is Anthony Joshua’s current professional record?

Anthony Joshua’s professional record currently stands at 28 wins and 4 losses, with 25 wins coming by way of knockout (KOs). His most recent loss was a KO defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. His high KO percentage (around 78%) remains a key component of his fighting style.

What is the significance of the “tune-up” fight for Joshua’s career?

The “tune-up” fight is significant because it’s a strategic move to allow Joshua to regain confidence, shake off ring rust after his long layoff and injury, and test out any technical adjustments with his new training regime, all while minimizing the risk of a career-ending second straight loss before pursuing the lucrative, legacy-defining fights against Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk.

Will Anthony Joshua fight Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk in 2026?

While the comeback fight will be against a different opponent, the ultimate goal for late 2026 remains a mega-fight with either Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk. Both fights represent the largest potential paydays and the chance for Joshua to solidify his legacy. A fight with Fury is considered the most commercially viable, while a trilogy with Usyk offers the highest sporting reward, particularly if Usyk were to vacate a world title.

Final Thoughts

The journey to define the Anthony Joshua next fight opponent, date, and location is underway, with all signs pointing to a strategically planned comeback in early 2026 against a highly-ranked, yet manageable, opponent. This fight is not about the opponent; it is a vital mental and physical assessment of Joshua himself. 

It represents his last great chance to prove he still belongs at the sport’s summit, setting the stage for a potential 2026 mega-fight against Tyson Fury or an improbable trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk. For the global boxing community, the former Olympic champion remains a figure of intense fascination. His next fight will be the beginning of his final, career-defining chapter.

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