Anthony Joshua: 2026 Could Be the Last Year of Boxing, According to Hearn

Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that 2026 could be Anthony Joshua’s last year in professional boxing. Joshua, who underwent elbow surgery earlier this month, is scheduled to return to the ring in September. The 35-year-old boxer will seek to have a fight this year.

Although there has been speculation about a possible fight against Tyson Fury, Hearn believes that this match is unlikely to materialize in 2025.

Probably 2026 will be his last year in the sport.

Eddie Hearn

Hearn, in statements to The Ariel Helwani Show, suggested that Joshua would have approximately three fights left before retiring. Hearn believes that, after a possible fight with Tyson Fury, Joshua could have achieved everything in boxing. He mentioned the possibility of a rematch with Daniel Dubois. Joshua suffered a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September of last year. Hearn also expressed his desire for Joshua to have another chance against Oleksandr Usyk. Hearn concluded that, if Joshua is in top form in 2026, he could extend his career. However, he feels that, after two fights against Tyson Fury, it would be a good time to retire.