Anthony Joshua could retire from boxing in 2026, according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who says the former world heavyweight champion may have just three fights left in his career.
Speaking to DAZNand The MMA Hour, Hearn outlined a final roadmap for the 34-year-old British-Nigerian star, potentially including two blockbuster bouts with Tyson Fury before hanging up his gloves.
“2026 will probably be his last year in the sport,” Hearn said. “If AJ fights Tyson Fury twice, he’s kind of done it all. Maybe Dubois again but what else is there?”
Joshua is targeting a return later this year after undergoing elbow surgery in May.
That bout, his first since a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, is expected to take place between October and December.
While Dillian Whyte was initially considered the frontrunner for Joshua’s next opponent, Whyte is now close to securing a fight with rising British-Nigerian heavyweight Moses Itauma in Saudi Arabia, prompting Hearn to explore alternatives.
Deontay Wilder and Jared Anderson have emerged as possible names.
Hearn admitted a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk remains unlikely, but not impossible.
He also stressed that if Joshua returns to top form, retirement plans could shift.
“If he’s still firing on all cylinders, then maybe 2026 isn’t the end,” he said.
For now, all roads appear to lead toward a potential Fury showdown, the kind of clash Hearn believes could define Joshua’s legacy.
