The future of Anthony Joshua’s boxing career has suddenly been thrown into doubt. Promoter Eddie Hearn has admitted there are no guarantees the former heavyweight champion will return to the ring.
The unexpected revelation follows the tragic car crash on December 29 that claimed the lives of Joshua’s close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
Although Joshua suffered only minor injuries, the emotional impact has been profound.
Now, the focus has shifted from titles and rivalries to healing and reflection. Moreover, fans are beginning to question whether the two-time world champion will compete again.
Speaking to First Round TV, Hearn addressed the uncertainty surrounding the Anthony Joshua boxing return.
“I don’t think there are any guarantees he fights again, but at the same time I expect him to, because it is something that he loves,” Hearn said.
He added that boxing remains deeply personal to Joshua.
“And it is something he can carry those guys with him through as well, and it is something he wants to do.”
However, Hearn also revealed that the physical toll of the crash has been underestimated.
“From a boxing sense, physically it wasn’t easy what he went through either. People probably don’t realise the extent of that.
“He has been training, but he is not ready yet and won’t be for a while to return to boxing training.”
Joshua, 36, has largely stayed away from the spotlight since the tragic incident. Meanwhile, he made a rare public appearance at a PFL event in Dubai over the weekend.
In January, he posted a workout video on social media with the caption “mental strength therapy.”
Before the accident, plans had reportedly been in place for a major fight. Hearn disclosed that discussions were ongoing for a March bout, followed by a potential clash with Tyson Fury.
“Before this terrible incident, we were geared up to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury,” Hearn explained.
“Obviously, that is not happening now, and I don’t know if it will ever happen right now.”
Joshua last fought on December 19, when he stopped Jake Paul in the sixth round. That victory improved his record to 29 wins and four defeats. Afterward, he publicly called for a showdown with Fury.
Meanwhile, Fury has announced his own return, with a fight scheduled against Arslanbek Makhmudov in April.
Hearn remains cautiously hopeful about the Anthony Joshua boxing return.
“But I think in the next few weeks and months, he may start to return and just turn the dial up a little bit more on training and see where he is at.”
