Anthony Joshua Targeting July Return But Won’t Fight Tyson Fury

Anthony Joshua Targeting July Return but Won’t Fight Tyson Fury Next Following Fatal Car Crash, Promoter Says
Veteran heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is aiming to return to competitive boxing in July 2026 after recovering from injuries sustained in a fatal car crash in Nigeria last December, but his long anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury will not be his next fight, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed Joshua was involved in a serious traffic accident on 29 December 2025 while visiting family in Nigeria, an incident that claimed the lives of two of his close associates and training team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua survived and was treated for his injuries before returning to training. The tragedy not only impacted his personal life but also disrupted his professional boxing schedule, which had included plans for multiple high-profile fights in 2026.
According to his promoter, Eddie Hearn, Joshua is targeting a ring return in July, although no official opponent or venue has been confirmed yet. Hearn stated that Joshua is still in the process of rebuilding his physical conditioning and training camp readiness, with progress being made but not complete.
“He’s not ready to go back into training camp yet, physically but it’s getting closer,” Hearn told media outlets.
The promoter added that multiple fight options were being explored around the world, indicating that Joshua’s comeback fight could take place outside the UK or Europe.
Earlier plans had suggested a potential blockbuster clash against Tyson Fury in August 2026, following a scheduled March bout. However, Hearn confirmed that the Fury fight is no longer next on the agenda due to the accident and Joshua’s recovery timeline.
“He was due to fight in March, then fight Tyson Fury. That’s not happening anymore. He won’t be fighting Tyson Fury next,” Hearn said. While a Fury matchup remains of interest to boxing fans and promoters, it appears more likely to occur later in 2026 or possibly in early 2027, once Joshua has fully regained his training form and competitive sharpness. Joshua, a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist, had built strong momentum after a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami in late 2025, a result that had heightened interest in major fights including Fury Despite the setback caused by the accident, his team and promoter insist that Joshua’s career is not over and that a return to the ring is imminent. Hearn has downplayed any notion of retirement, emphasising Joshua’s eagerness to fight again once healthy In the weeks since the crash, Joshua has also publicly honoured his late friends, describing them as integral parts of his life and career. He dedicated himself not only to returning to boxing but also to supporting their families and preserving their legacy within the sport.