Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has offered a candid assessment of Anthony Joshua's potential return to the ring, emphasizing that while he expects the former two-time heavyweight world champion to fight again due to his deep passion for the sport, no guarantees exist following a tragic road accident in Nigeria late last year.
The incident, which claimed the lives of two of Joshua's close friends, has profoundly impacted the British heavyweight.
Joshua, who has resumed light training, remains in the early stages of physical and emotional recovery. Hearn stressed that a competitive return is not imminent, and the decision ultimately rests with Joshua himself.
Speaking in an interview with First Round TV, Hearn said: “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. He has been training, but he is not ready yet and won’t be for a while to return to full boxing training.”
Prior to the accident, plans were in place for Joshua to return in March, potentially setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury later in the year. Those timelines have been disrupted indefinitely.
“Before this terrible incident, we were geared up to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury,” Hearn added. “Obviously, that is not happening now and I don’t know if it will ever happen right now. But 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.”
Hearn reiterated that Joshua's well-being both mental and physical remains the top priority. The promoter, who has worked with Joshua since his professional debut after winning Olympic gold in 2012, expressed confidence in the fighter's resilience while acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding his future in boxing.
The boxing world continues to rally around Joshua during this difficult period, with fans and fellow athletes sending messages of support. Any potential comeback will be determined by Joshua when he feels the time is right.