Anthony Joshua is aiming to return to the ring in July after surviving a fatal car crash in December, but his next fight against Tyson Fury has not yet been scheduled, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua was in a car accident while visiting family in Nigeria over Christmas, resulting in the deaths of two of his friends and training team members, Sheena Gami and Latif Ayodele.
Joshua, who was initially hospitalized, had just defeated Jake Paul by sixth-round knockout in Miami.
Fury is currently preparing to face Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, his first fight since losing a rematch to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
Hearn told The Sportsman: “(He) was scheduled to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury. That’s not going to happen anymore. He’s not going to fight Tyson Fury next.”
“We don’t have any solid plans to announce what’s next.
“Anthony Joshua’s focus is to get back to training camp. He’s not physically ready to go back to training camp yet, but he’s getting close.”
“I think there’s nothing he wants more than to get back to training camp at this point, because that’s where he loves it.
“I really think July is the time for a return. We are looking at multiple options around the world for a possible return.
“I haven’t talked to Anthony in that much depth yet until we get back to camp, but I hope to talk in the next few weeks.”
Fury: Joshua’s tragic loss sparked my return to boxing
Although the pair have yet to fight, Fury said his return to boxing was inspired by Joshua’s tragic accident at the end of December.
In early 2025, Fury announced that he would retire from boxing. But then he decided to come back and will fight Arslanbek Makhmudov in London on April 11th.
After his return was announced, he said, “Tomorrow may never come.
“For me, the biggest turning point in this comeback was the tragedy that happened with Anthony Joshua. I was on holiday in Thailand with my family over Christmas, just to get out of the rain.
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Tyson Fury spoke ahead of his fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov and paid tribute to fellow heavyweight Anthony Joshua, who lost two close friends in a tragic car accident.
“Hearing all the bad news made me realize that life is so short, so precious, and so fragile.
“Anything can happen at any time and you should never put things off until tomorrow or next year or next week, because tomorrow is never promised to anyone.
“Tomorrow is a mystery. We have to live for today. And I live for that day, so I made a decision there and then I decided to go back to boxing because it’s something that I love and am passionate about and have always missed.”
“There’s no tomorrow we can postpone. That’s why we’re back today for this big game.”
Joshua: I understand my obligations.
In January, in Joshua’s only public appearance since his accident, the British boxer hinted at his desire to cement his legacy by pursuing his boxing goals and contributing to the memory of Gyima and Adeyele.
“My goal is to continue to help them reach their goals,” Joshua said.
“It’s going to take more than just physical strength to get me through. It’s going to take a lot of strength from a higher power. So I’m definitely going to say my prayers and help them make their dreams come true for their families. It’s not just me, it’s our whole team.”
“I’m going to do what’s right for them and I’m going to do what’s right for their families.
“In my corner of the world, I know what I’m going to do. What can I say? My time will come…but the mission must continue. I understand my duty.”
“It’s not about leaving a legacy. It’s just doing the right thing. I know I’m going to do the right thing for them. I know what I have to do.”
