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Anthony Joshua backed for ‘special’ boxing return after ‘meetings’ for blockbuster event in 2026
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Despite missing out on a lucrative return to the ring, it seems Anthony Joshua still has quite a sizable return to the ring in line for next year.

Sidelined since the final quarter of last year, former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua dropped his fourth career loss in a devastating knockout defeat against Daniel Dubois.

And linked with a litany of opponents in the time since his loss, Joshua was most heavily tied to a showdown with Jake Paul, before the Ohio native booked an exhibition fight with Gervonta Davis for November.


Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images

Nevertheless, Joshua seems to have a mountain of options on the table ahead of him, including a blockbuster trip out of the UK to make his boxing return.

Anthony Joshua linked with ‘special’ showdown in Ghana

Earlier this month, reports linked Joshua to a clash against fellow Olympic gold medal winner Tony Yoka, with the duo potentially on a collision course of a unique fight in Africa.

And while a whole host of fights are reportedly on the radar of the Watford native, Joshua has taken part in “meetings” to potentially return to the ring in Ghana.

“We had meetings with the Accra sports stadium,” Matchroom Boxing CEO, Frank Smith told Boxing Social. “The Legacy Rise team; it’s amazing what they’re doing.

“I see a lot of potential there to make something happen,” Smith continued. “…It would be special to do something.

And while fights with Yoka as well as Paul have been put on the back burner for the time being, Joshua has been urged to take on a host of long-time foes from his time as a world champion.

Anthony Joshua urged to fight Deontay Wilder next year

Holding his world championship belts at the same time as Tuscaloosa knockout artist Deontay Wilder, Joshua failed to ever share the ring with the former WBC heavyweight champion.


Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

And with his meeting with Paul postponed at the very least, Joshua has been urged to finally face off with Wilder as soon as next year by a host of fans across social media.

Furthermore, Matchroom Boxing leader Eddie Hearn also name-dropped Joshua as part of his wish list of fights he hopes to book next year.

Namely, the Dagenham promoter confirmed he still intends to book a drawn-out super fight between Joshua and former WBC heavyweight kingpin Tyson Fury.

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

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