Promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua might retire from professional boxing in 2026.
According to Hearn, Joshua could have as few as three fights left in his career, including possible high-profile matchups against Tyson Fury.
In recent interviews with DAZN and The MMA Hour, Hearn outlined Joshua’s potential final fight schedule: a comeback bout later this year after recovering from elbow surgery, followed by two major fights with Fury, and perhaps one more against Daniel Dubois.
“2026 will likely be his final year in the sport,” Hearn stated. “We’re planning a return this year, then two fights with Fury, and maybe a fight with Dubois. After that, AJ will have done everything.”
Joshua is gearing up for his first fight since a knockout loss to Dubois in September 2024, targeting a comeback between October and December 2025.
Although Dillian Whyte was initially expected to be his opponent, Whyte’s near-future bout with Moses Itauma in Saudi Arabia could open the door for others like Deontay Wilder or Jared Anderson.
While a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk remains a possibility, Hearn cautioned against prolonging Joshua’s career unnecessarily.
“If AJ is still performing well next year, 2026 might not be final. But right now, the plan feels right: a comeback, beating Fury twice, then retiring.”
Joshua, who won Olympic gold in 2012 and is a two-time world heavyweight champion, holds a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses. His recent defeat to Dubois has led to renewed discussions about his future.
Meanwhile, Deontay Wilder is preparing for a big comeback fight on June 27, which could set up a potential clash with Joshua down the line.
“An AJ-Wilder fight would be huge, especially following AJ’s loss to Dubois,” Hearn added.
Despite Tyson Fury’s retirement announcement earlier this year, Hearn remains hopeful Fury will return for a blockbuster showdown with Joshua.
Though Joshua himself hasn’t publicly addressed retirement, his promoter’s remarks hint that the countdown may have already begun for one of British boxing’s biggest stars.
Advertisement
