Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is setting his sights on a return to the ring this July, marking a brave comeback following a traumatic period in his personal life. After surviving a devastating car accident late last year, the 36-year-old fighter is gradually finding his way back to the sport, though fans will have to wait a little longer for the much-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury.
The boxing world was stunned during the Christmas period when news broke of a fatal crash involving Joshua while he was visiting family in Nigeria. The accident tragically claimed the lives of two of his close friends and training team members, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua, who had recently secured a dominant sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami, was hospitalized following the incident and has since been focused on his recovery.
Speaking on the current situation, promoter Eddie Hearn shared with Reports that previous plans for a March bout and a subsequent clash with Tyson Fury have been sidelined for the time being. Hearn noted that while there are no concrete fight announcements just yet, the primary focus is getting Joshua back into a training camp. Although he isn’t physically ready to push his limits just yet, the promoter believes a July return is a realistic goal, with various global venues being considered for the comeback.
Interestingly, the tragedy has also had a profound impact on Tyson Fury. The “Gypsy King,” who had announced his retirement at the start of 2025, revealed that Joshua’s accident served as a wake-up call that inspired his own return to the ring. Fury, who is scheduled to face Arslanbek Makhmudov on April 11 in London, remarked that the fragility of life became clear to him while on holiday in Thailand. He noted that hearing about Joshua’s loss made him realize that tomorrow isn’t promised, prompting him to return to the sport he loves.
Joshua himself has made only one public appearance since the accident, using the moment to reflect on his future and the memory of his fallen teammates. He spoke emotionally about his desire to honor Ghami and Ayodele by continuing his mission in the boxing world. For Joshua, this next chapter isn’t just about adding to his legacy; it is about fulfilling the dreams he shared with those he lost.
As the heavyweight division prepares for a shake-up, the resilience shown by both champions suggests a powerful year ahead for boxing. While the Joshua-Fury mega-fight is off the table for now, the return of both men to the canvas remains the biggest story in the sport.
