An update has been provided on the status of Anthony Joshua's forthcoming fight plans amid the boxer's recent inactivity in the ring.
Joshua has not fought in 2025 as he had been dealing with an elbow injury, which required surgery over the summer.
The two-time heavyweight world champion last competed 12 months ago when he was knocked out by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois in a bout for the IBF title at Wembley Stadium.
Joshua has been keen to return to the ring and become a world champion once again, but his recent injury prevented him from training and making a planned summer comeback.
The 35-year-old has recently returned to work in the gym and is expected to step up his training over the coming months.
However, fans of the Watford-born star may have to wait just a little longer to see him enter the ring again.
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Eddie Hearn discusses Joshua's future fight plans
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has offered details on the future roadmap for the ex-heavyweight world champion.
According to the Matchroom Sport chairman, Joshua will not fight this year and a return in early 2026 is most likely.
"He's back training and that's a great sign. A lot of the sites are talking about January or very early February," Hearn revealed to Sky Sports in a recent interview. "I wouldn't say he's in any rush."
Hearn insists Joshua will need to be eased back into action as it will have been well over a year by the time he makes his planned comeback next winter.
"We need a top-15 guy. It's not going to be Fury, Usyk, Dubois, those top guys. We need someone so that AJ can come back in a competitive fight," the promoter explained.
Hearn wishes to then finally set up a an all-British showdown between Joshua and Tyson Fury after years of fans clamouring for that clash.
"All that's in my mind in an ideal scenario is to fight Fury next year. That's the big focus. From a common-sense perspective the fight has to happen in 2026."
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