Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn says he expects Anthony Joshua to return to the ring — but admits nothing is certain following the tragic accident that deeply affected the former world champion.
Joshua, 36, sustained minor injuries in a road traffic accident in Nigeria on 29 December that claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
The devastating incident has understandably shifted priorities for the two-time heavyweight champion.
Hearn: “No Guarantees He Fights Again”
Speaking to First Round TV, Hearn acknowledged the emotional and physical toll the incident has taken on Joshua.
“I don’t think there are any guarantees he fights again, but at the same time I expect him to, because it is something that he loves,” Hearn said.
“And it is something he can carry those guys with him through as well and it is something he wants to do.”
Hearn also stressed that the physical impact of the crash has perhaps been underestimated.
“From a boxing sense, physically it wasn’t easy what he went through either. People probably don’t realise the extent of that.”
Slow Return To Training
Joshua returned to light training in January, sharing a social media video captioned “mental strength therapy.”
However, Hearn clarified that a full boxing camp is still some way off.
“He has been training, but he is not ready yet and won’t be for a while to return to boxing training.”
The former Olympic gold medallist has kept a low profile since the incident but made a rare public appearance at a PFL event in Dubai over the weekend.
What Happens To The Tyson Fury Fight?
Before the accident, plans were reportedly being shaped for a major showdown — potentially against long-time rival Tyson Fury.
Joshua last fought on 19 December, stopping Jake Paul in the sixth round to improve his professional record to 29 wins and four defeats. After that victory, he signaled readiness for a long-anticipated clash with Fury.
However, Hearn now admits the timeline is uncertain:
“Before this terrible incident we were geared up to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury.
Obviously, that is not happening now and I don’t know if it will ever happen right now.”
Fury himself ended retirement in January and is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov in the UK on 11 April.
Taking It Step By Step
For now, Joshua’s return remains gradual and measured.
Hearn suggested that the next phase could involve increasing training intensity over the coming weeks:
“I think in the next few weeks and months, he may start to return and just turn the dial up a little bit more on training and see where he is at.”
Whether Joshua fights again this year will depend not only on physical readiness — but emotional healing.
After such a profound personal loss, boxing understandably comes second. But if he does step back into the ring, it will likely carry deeper meaning than ever before.
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