Anthony Joshua Targets July Comeback After Tragic Loss

Boxer plans return to ring following death of close friends in car crash

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:18am

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A dynamic, colorful painting featuring rapid brushstrokes and neon hues that capture the raw power and emotion of a boxer preparing for a comeback fight after a tragic loss.The explosive energy and determination of a former heavyweight champion as he prepares to make his long-awaited return to the ring.Today in Miami

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is aiming for a July comeback to the boxing ring, his promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed. This follows the tragic death of Joshua's long-time strength coach and personal trainer in a car accident near Lagos. While the comeback won't be against rival Tyson Fury, the door remains open for a future fight between the British heavyweights.

Why it matters

Joshua's return to the ring will be closely watched as he looks to bounce back from the devastating loss of his close friends and training partners. The potential for a future Joshua-Fury fight also remains a major storyline in the heavyweight division.

The details

Hearn said Joshua is not yet physically ready to return to training, but they are exploring options for a July bout. The boxer's comeback will not be against Fury, but the promoter said the door is open for that fight to happen later in the year or in early 2027. Fury, who is preparing for his own comeback, revealed that Joshua's tragedy was a turning point in his decision to return to boxing.

  • The car crash occurred just weeks after Joshua's knockout victory over Jake Paul in Miami.
  • Hearn said Joshua's return is targeted for late summer, with a potential July bout in the works.

The players

Anthony Joshua

A former heavyweight champion boxer who is planning a comeback to the ring following the tragic death of his close friends and training partners.

Eddie Hearn

Joshua's promoter, who has revealed the boxer's plans for a July return to the ring.

Tyson Fury

A British heavyweight boxer who is preparing for his own comeback, and has said Joshua's tragedy was a turning point in his decision to return to boxing.

Sina Ghami

Joshua's long-time strength coach who was killed in the car accident near Lagos.

Latif 'Latz' Ayodele

Joshua's personal trainer who was also killed in the car accident near Lagos.

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What they’re saying

“He's going to come back, I believe, in late summer. But physically, he's not ready to return to training just yet. I'm exploring options to get him back in the ring in July, but we'll only know for sure once he's back in camp, which we hope will be soon.”

— Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter

“Every fight is dangerous, especially after such a traumatic experience. We're open to the Fury fight, but it's more likely to happen towards the end of the year or even early 2027.”

— Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter

“Life is short, precious, and fragile. Anything can happen at any moment, and you shouldn't put things off. That's why I'm back, for this big fight. There is no tomorrow to put it off to.”

— Tyson Fury

What’s next

Hearn said they will know for sure about Joshua's July return once he is back in training camp, which they hope will be soon.

The takeaway

Joshua's comeback story is unfolding amidst the tragedy of losing his close friends and training partners. His return to the ring will be closely watched, and the potential for a future fight against rival Tyson Fury remains a major storyline in the heavyweight division.