Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Anthony Joshua Targeting Late-Summer Return, Tyson Fury Fight Delayed

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 9:11 AM ET

LAS VEGAS — Just 52 days after surviving a fatal car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends, Anthony Joshua is preparing for a return to the ring. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Thursday that the former two-time heavyweight champion is targeting a late-summer comeback though a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury is no longer next.

“Originally, the plan for AJ was for him to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury in August. That’s not happening,” Hearn told reporters, per ESPN. “He’s not fighting Tyson Fury next.”

Hearn emphasized that Joshua is still physically and emotionally recovering. “Physically he’s not yet in a position to return to camp,” Hearn said. “I’m looking at options to get him back in the ring in July time, but we’ll only know if that’s a real possibility when he returns to camp.”

Anthony Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) last fought December 19, stopping Jake Paul in six rounds. Ten days later, he was involved in a devastating car crash in Lagos that killed his strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif Adoyele. Joshua and the driver survived. Since then, his focus has been on recovery and reflection.

Anthony Joshua speaking about death

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
pic.twitter.com/LzXYNxwsOL
— JM NEWS NETWORK (@JMNewsNetwork_) February 19, 2026

Fury Fight Still Alive Later

While Joshua-Fury won’t happen this summer, Hearn hasn’t ruled it out entirely.

“We’re open to the Fury fight but probably more likely near the end of the year, maybe early 2027,” Hearn said.

For now, the priority is Joshua’s safe and steady return. Every heavyweight fight carries risk and coming off trauma both physical and emotional, that risk is magnified.

What’s Next for AJ?

Anthony Joshua remains one of boxing’s biggest draws and a central figure in the heavyweight division. A successful summer outing would restore momentum and set the stage for either:

A long-awaited domestic clash with Fury
A fresh contender
Or another high-profile crossover event

But unlike past comeback announcements, this one carries different weight. This isn’t about chasing belts or settling rivalries. It’s about rebuilding one camp, one fight at a time. And if Joshua does return in July or August, it won’t just mark another fight night. It will mark survival.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: