Nigerian-born former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is scheduled to undergo elbow surgery this week, as fresh hopes emerge for a long-awaited bout with British rival Tyson Fury.
The 35-year-old boxer has not entered the ring since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, with a previously undisclosed elbow injury forcing a prolonged absence from the sport. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed that Joshua is due to undergo keyhole surgery to address the issue, which has hampered his training for months.
“He just goes back into camp and just can’t fire on all cylinders consistently,” Hearn said.
“They’ve told him that he has a small keyhole surgery in the arm. Clear out, and in four to six weeks, he’s good to go.”
Joshua is now expected to return to action sometime after September 2025.
Fury Comeback Teased as Super-Fight Lingers
Meanwhile, attention has turned once again to the possibility of the long-anticipated clash between Joshua and Tyson Fury. Hearn revealed that Fury — who declared a sudden fourth retirement in January after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk — has resumed training and appears poised for a comeback.
“Tyson Fury is a big tease,” said Hearn. “He looks super fit, like he’s ready to go now, which is encouraging. Honestly, I just can’t believe he’s going to let it slide.”
Fury recently broke his silence on social media, sharing images of himself training and sparring 12 rounds — stoking speculation that he may step back into the ring for what could be a £300 million showdown with Joshua.
Hearn: AJ Will Fight in 2025, With or Without Fury
While Fury remains Joshua’s primary target, Hearn made it clear that AJ will not sit idle. The outcome of Dubois’ July 19 rematch with Usyk at Wembley Stadium could further shape the heavyweight landscape.
“There’s no way AJ’s not fighting this year,” Hearn insisted. “If there’s no movement, we fight. Who that will be, I can’t tell you right now.”
Thanks in part to Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh and the collaborative efforts of rival promoters Hearn and Frank Warren, broadcast partnerships like DAZN may help fast-track negotiations for blockbuster bouts.
For now, fans remain on edge as Joshua enters the operating theatre — and the world waits to see whether 2025 will finally deliver the most anticipated British heavyweight clash of the era.
