Anthony Joshua Eyes December Comeback After Elbow Surgery
By IDNN Boxing Desk
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has confirmed he will return to the ring in December 2025, following successful surgery on his right elbow earlier this month.
Joshua, 35, has not fought since a shocking fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September. His latest setback — an elbow procedure — has sidelined him from full training, but the Nigerian-born boxer told IDNN during a visit to Nigeria that he is fully focused on rehabilitation and a strong return.
“I just want to get my body feeling good and then I’ll fight. It’s a simple job,” Joshua said. “December, I will fight again. That’s when I want to fight. I’ll take some time and go in then.”
The timeline all but rules out the highly anticipated bout with Tyson Fury this year, unless negotiations shift the fight to a neutral venue like Saudi Arabia or the UAE. Instead, promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested potential opponents including Martin Bakole, Agit Kabayel, or Deontay Wilder, who himself is expected to return to action next month.
Joshua was candid about the quality of his recent performances:
“To be a champion you’ve got to be great. I was good in my last fight but not great. Throughout the last year or so… I need to step my game up.”
With over a year out of the ring by the time he returns, the December comeback fight could be crucial in determining whether Joshua still has what it takes to regain a world title and reestablish himself in the heavyweight elite.
For now, fans can expect AJ to focus on fitness, rebuild confidence, and plot a path toward a massive 2026 showdown — possibly against Fury — that could still deliver the legacy-defining moment boxing fans have long awaited.
