Anthony Joshua boxing return confirmed for December 2025. Eddie Hearn reveals plans for AJ’s comeback fight after elbow surgery and a year-long recovery.
After months of speculation, the highly anticipated Anthony Joshua boxing return has been confirmed by his promoter, Eddie Hearn. The two-time world heavyweight champion, who has spent most of 2025 recovering from elbow surgery, is officially set to step back into the ring before the end of the year. The comeback is expected to take place in December, marking Joshua’s first fight since losing his IBF heavyweight title to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Hearn, who manages Joshua under Matchroom Boxing, revealed that AJ’s rehabilitation has gone smoothly and that the former champion is eager to reestablish himself among the world’s elite heavyweights. Fans around the globe have been waiting for this moment — a chance to see the British powerhouse once again showcase his signature power, precision, and professionalism inside the squared circle.
The road to recovery
Joshua’s last appearance in the ring was a tough one — a title clash against Daniel Dubois that ended in defeat, costing him his IBF belt. Shortly after that fight, doctors advised him to undergo surgery to correct a persistent elbow injury that had been hampering his performance for years. The operation, which took place in May 2025, was successful, though it required months of rest and physical therapy before Joshua could resume full training.
Hearn confirmed that Joshua has been back in the gym since September, slowly rebuilding his form. “He’s looking sharper every week,” Hearn said in a recent interview. “The old Anthony Joshua is coming back — the power, the focus, the hunger. The injury is behind him now, and the fire is back.”
The Anthony Joshua boxing return has been a topic of intense discussion among boxing fans, with many wondering whether the former Olympic gold medalist still has what it takes to compete at the top level. But according to Hearn, Joshua’s mindset has never been stronger. “He’s motivated in a way I haven’t seen in years,” he said. “This comeback isn’t just about getting back in the ring — it’s about proving he still belongs among the best.”
Potential venues and dates for the return
Eddie Hearn revealed that several locations are being considered for the Anthony Joshua boxing return, including London, California, and Riyadh. Three potential dates — November 15 in London, December 13 in California, and December 27 in Riyadh — are currently under review. While no final decision has been made, Hearn hinted that Saudi Arabia might be the front-runner due to the nation’s growing investment in global boxing events.
Saudi Arabia has become a major player in hosting high-profile fights, including bouts featuring Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Francis Ngannou. Joshua himself has fought there before — most notably in 2019 when he reclaimed his world titles from Andy Ruiz Jr. in Diriyah. That familiarity could make Riyadh a comfortable setting for his return.
However, Joshua’s loyal British fan base is hoping the fight will take place in London, possibly at the O2 Arena or Wembley. “There’s nothing like fighting in front of a home crowd,” Hearn admitted. “But wherever it happens, it will be a massive moment — the beginning of AJ’s new chapter.”
A “run-out” fight before bigger challenges
While fans may expect a blockbuster comeback, Hearn made it clear that Joshua’s next fight will likely be a tune-up bout — not an immediate title challenge. “If he fights this year, it will just be a run-out fight,” Hearn said. “Coming back after a year and a half away from the ring isn’t easy. This fight is about getting him back in rhythm, not chasing a payday.”
That approach makes sense. Many boxers returning from surgery and long layoffs prefer to ease back into competition with a lower-stakes fight. It allows them to test their fitness, regain timing, and restore confidence without the immense pressure of a championship showdown.
For Joshua, this could be a chance to rebuild momentum and refine his craft before pursuing another shot at world titles in 2026. Hearn has hinted that once Joshua is back to full form, potential opponents could include top contenders such as Filip Hrgović, Zhilei Zhang, or even a long-awaited third clash with Oleksandr Usyk.
The significance of the comeback
The Anthony Joshua boxing return is more than just another fight announcement — it’s a defining moment in the career of one of Britain’s greatest modern athletes. Since turning professional in 2013, Joshua has carried the hopes of millions, delivering knockout victories and filling stadiums with his charisma and determination.
But the past few years have been a rollercoaster. After suffering back-to-back losses to Usyk in 2021 and 2022, Joshua was forced to rebuild his confidence and adjust his fighting style under different trainers. His brief resurgence in 2023 showed flashes of his old brilliance, but inconsistency and injuries stalled his progress again.
Now, with his body healed and his focus renewed, Joshua is determined to prove that his story is far from over. For many fans, this comeback represents redemption — a final chapter in a career that has already inspired millions.
As sports commentator Steve Bunce recently noted, “Joshua’s return isn’t just about titles; it’s about legacy. He’s still one of the sport’s biggest stars, and when he steps back into that ring, the world will be watching.”
A different approach: humility and patience
In a surprising twist, Hearn revealed that Joshua will not headline the event marking his return — the first time since 2015 that AJ won’t top the bill. Instead, he’ll appear on the undercard of another major fight. The decision reflects a strategic shift: Joshua is focused less on the spotlight and more on rebuilding carefully.
“This shows where his mindset is,” Hearn explained. “It’s not about ego. It’s about getting back to basics and doing the work.”
That humility could be key to a successful comeback. By focusing on the fundamentals rather than the fame, Joshua may rediscover the raw drive that once made him unstoppable. If his recovery continues as planned, the Anthony Joshua boxing return could spark a resurgence that puts him right back in title contention by mid-2026.
The countdown has begun for the Anthony Joshua boxing return, a moment fans have been eagerly anticipating. After surgery, setbacks, and months of silence, the former champion is ready to remind the world why he remains one of boxing’s most iconic figures.
Whether his return bout takes place in London, California, or Riyadh, one thing is certain — Anthony Joshua’s comeback will be one of the most-watched events in the sport this year. With his determination, experience, and elite athleticism, AJ’s new chapter promises not just a return, but a potential rebirth of a true heavyweight legend.
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