Anthony Joshua is eyeing a July return after fatal car crash, but Tyson Fury will not be his next opponent

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is aiming for a return to the ring in July following his recovery from a devastating car crash in December, but a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury will not be his next bout, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed.

Joshua had been riding high after a sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami when tragedy struck. While visiting family in Nigeria over the Christmas period, he was involved in a road traffic accident that claimed the lives of two close associates and members of his training team, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua was hospitalised following the crash.

Speaking to The Sportsman, Hearn revealed that earlier plans for Joshua to fight in March — potentially setting up a blockbuster clash with Fury — have now been shelved.

“[He was] due to fight in March, then fight Tyson Fury. That’s not happening anymore. He won’t be fighting Tyson Fury next,” Hearn said, adding that no firm plans have yet been finalised for the former champion’s return.

The immediate priority, Hearn explained, is Joshua’s full physical recovery and gradual return to training camp. “The focus for Anthony Joshua is to get back into training camp. He’s not ready to go back into training camp, physically, but it’s getting closer,” he said. “I think there’s nothing more that he wants at the moment than to return to training camp because it’s where he loves to be.”

Hearn indicated that July is the likely window for Joshua’s comeback, with several potential venues under consideration around the world. Further discussions about opponents and logistics are expected once Joshua resumes full training in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Fury is preparing for his own return to action. The former world champion is set to face Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11. The bout will mark Fury’s first fight since his rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.

While fans may have to wait longer for a potential Joshua-Fury showdown, Hearn’s comments suggest that Joshua’s return to competition — and to full fitness — remains firmly on the horizon. (AriseNews TV)

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