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Anthony Joshua’s 2026 Return Plan Draws Calls to Retire From Johnny Nelson

His promoter signals a cautious tune-up against a ranked heavyweight following elbow surgery.

Overview

  • Eddie Hearn says Joshua will spend the rest of 2025 training and aims to open a staged comeback against a top-15 heavyweight in early 2026.
  • Joshua has resumed gym work after surgery on an elbow issue that had stalled a planned summer 2025 return.
  • Johnny Nelson publicly urged Joshua to retire or only come back for Tyson Fury, saying the former champion has nothing left to prove.
  • Fury is currently retired, so any potential British blockbuster next year is uncertain and not agreed.
  • Reports of a verbal understanding with Jake Paul remain unconfirmed, while Hearn has mentioned Martin Bakole, Efe Ajagba or Tony Yoka as possible comeback options.