Anthony Joshua’s Final Chapter: Boxing Star Sets Sights on Legacy-Defining Fights Before 2026 Retirement

A Boxing Legend’s Last Stand

Anthony Joshua, who recently underwent successful elbow surgery, has resumed training after being sidelined. The 35-year-old former champion is preparing for his comeback to the ring.

The Road Ahead

Having now resumed training, Joshua is expected to make his return most likely in January or early February 2026. His initial comeback will not be against a top-tier heavyweight, but rather against a world top-15 calibre opponent as a tune-up bout.

According to promoter Eddie Hearn, Joshua is expected to retire in 2026, leaving him with only three or four fights left in his career. This puts AJ in a race against time to secure the final fights needed for his legacy, particularly against his key rivals, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury, whom he has not yet faced.

Current Status and Record

Joshua’s professional record currently stands at 28 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws. His impressive knockout ratio of 89% is evidenced by stopping 25 of his 28 victorious opponents, though he has been stopped twice in his four losses.

The Final Chapter

There is no room for error in Joshua’s immediate return. His team is planning carefully for his next fight, which will serve as a comeback bout to build into what Hearn describes as a “roll of the dice” next summer. The primary target for that major fight is Tyson Fury, but if that doesn’t materialize, it will still be a massive fight.

While this appears to be the final stage of Joshua’s career, there’s potential for extension beyond 2026. Hearn has indicated that with the delayed comeback, Joshua’s career could potentially extend into 2027.