Anthony Joshua Targets July Return to Boxing
Last update: February 21, 2026
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
Anthony Joshua targets July comeback after fatal road accident in Nigeria...
Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is targeting a return to the ring in July following the tragic road accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and training partners.
CBI News reports that Joshua, 36, was involved in the crash while visiting family over the Christmas period. The accident resulted in the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both key members of his team.
He was taken to hospital for treatment and later discharged, but the incident has had significant emotional and physical impact on him.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed that Joshua will not fight in March as initially planned and that a long-discussed showdown with Tyson Fury is no longer imminent.
“He was due to fight in March, then fight Tyson Fury. That’s not happening anymore. He won’t be fighting Tyson Fury next. The focus for Anthony Joshua is to get back into training camp.
"He’s not ready to go back into training camp, physically, but it’s getting closer. I think July is the time to return. We are looking at multiple options around the world for that potential return,” Hearn said.
CBI News reports that Joshua’s last fight came in November, when he stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami.
Since the accident, he has kept a low profile, making only one public appearance.
During that appearance, he spoke about honouring the memories and goals of those he lost.
“My goal is to continue to help them achieve their goals. I’m going to do what’s right by them, I’m going to do what’s right by their family. The mission must go on,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fury who had announced his retirement at the start of 2025 is preparing for a bout against Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11.
Fury admitted that the tragedy involving Joshua played a role in influencing his decision to return to boxing.
“The biggest turning point in this comeback for me was the tragedy that happened with Anthony Joshua. Life is very short, very precious and very fragile. Anything could happen at any given moment. Tomorrow is not promised to nobody,” Fury said.
