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Anthony Joshua’s return could snap interesting 10-year stat as promoter hints at new fight date

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Ross Markey | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 5:33 PM ET

Anthony Joshua’s return to boxing has seen another twist in this seemingly never-ending tale.

Gearing up for his comeback to the ring for the first time since his stunning knockout loss to Daniel Dubois over a year ago, former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua has yet to land an opponent for the clash.

And linked most recently to a showdown with Russian giant Arslanbek Makhmudov off the back of his win over Dave Allen, Joshua seemed set for a 2026 return to action.

However, in a new update, the Watford native may be returning sooner than expected, in a setting which would snap his lengthy spree.

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Anthony Joshua may compete before 2026

In a new update from Matchroom Boxing leader Eddie Hearn, the Dagenham promoter revealed Joshua could feature as soon as the last months of 2025.

And to boot, according to the veteran boxing matchmaker, Joshua would be placed on the undercard of a potential end-of-year show.

If that were the case, Joshua would be fighting in a clash outside of a main event for the first time in 10 years, when he improved to 13-0 with a knockout of Kevin Johnson on the undercard of Kell Brook’s showdown with Frankie Gavin.

“All I’m saying is, if he (Anthony Joshua) fights this year, it will just be a ‘run out’ fight,” Hearn told IFL TV. “Because, coming back and fighting in a big arena, in a tough fight after being out for a year and a half, it’s not easy.

“And it ain’t about the money [in] this fight this year,” Hearn explained. “…It’s 50/50 if he fights this year, but if he will (sic), he’ll be added to a card. He won’t be headlining.”

Anthony Joshua picked to knock out ‘dangerous’ star.

Having shared the ring with the above-mentioned 6ft 5in Makhmudov, veteran British star Allen has weighed in a potential fight between the Russian and his compatriot.

And having trained with the Olympic gold medalist in the past, Allen raved over the power of Makhmudov.

But as far as he’s concerned, Joshua holds the tools to likely finish Makhmudov — early, in fact.

I think I’d pick (Anthony) Joshua to beat him (Arslanbek Makhmudov). I think Joshua will flatten him in a couple rounds. But he’s a dangerous guy though, so it’d be a good fight while it lasted,” Allen told Boxing King Media.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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