The saga of Anthony Joshua`s return to the boxing ring has taken yet another unexpected turn, keeping fans and pundits alike on the edge of their seats. After a significant hiatus following his stunning knockout loss to Daniel Dubois over a year ago, the former two-time heavyweight world champion`s comeback timeline remains as fluid as ever. What was once speculated as a grand main event in 2026 now appears to be a much earlier, and surprisingly humble, affair.
A Strategic Shift: The Undercard Comeback
Initially, whispers circulated about a potential clash with the formidable Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov, setting the stage for a dramatic 2026 return. However, in a recent update that sent ripples through the boxing world, Matchroom Boxing supremo Eddie Hearn revealed a more immediate, and frankly, more intriguing possibility. According to Hearn, Joshua could be lacing up his gloves as early as late 2025.
But here`s the kicker: this potential comeback would not be in the spotlight of a main event, but rather as a featured attraction on an undercard. For a fighter of Joshua`s stature, a bonafide global star and a consistent headliner for the past decade, this represents a significant, almost unprecedented, strategic pivot.
“All I’m saying is, if he (Anthony Joshua) fights this year, it will just be a ‘run out’ fight. Because, coming back and fighting in a big arena, in a tough fight after being out for a year and a half, it’s not easy.” – Eddie Hearn
The last time Anthony Joshua fought outside of a main event was a full 10 years ago, when he moved to 13-0 with a dominant knockout of Kevin Johnson, serving as a significant draw on the undercard of Kell Brook`s bout against Frankie Gavin. To put that into perspective, an entire generation of boxing fans has only known “AJ” as the undisputed star of the show. This isn`t just a date change; it`s a departure from tradition, a calculated risk, or perhaps, a wise acknowledgement of the need to shake off ring rust without the immense pressure of a headline bout.
Why an Undercard? The `Run Out` Rationale
Hearn`s rationale for this move is refreshingly candid: it`s a “run out” fight, explicitly stating that “it ain`t about the money.” After a year and a half out of the ring, jumping straight into a high-stakes main event against a top contender could be perceived as unnecessarily risky. An undercard slot offers a valuable opportunity for Joshua to:
- Regain Ring Fitness: Knock off the competitive cobwebs and re-acclimatize to the intensity of a professional fight.
- Test New Strategies: Implement adjustments made during his training camp in a live setting without the suffocating glare of a championship-level main event.
- Rebuild Confidence: Secure a solid win and remind himself, and the boxing world, of his formidable capabilities.
- Mitigate Pressure: While any Joshua fight generates buzz, fighting lower down the card reduces the direct, immense pressure associated with headlining a major event after a devastating loss.
It`s a pragmatic approach, almost a re-calibration for a fighter who has tasted the pinnacle of the sport but also endured its most bitter disappointments. The choice between a grand, high-pressure return and a more measured re-entry is telling, perhaps signaling a renewed focus on longevity and strategic progression over immediate spectacle.
The Makhmudov Conundrum: A Dangerous First Step?
If the whispers are true, Arslanbek Makhmudov remains a strong contender for Joshua`s initial opponent. The 6ft 5in Russian, known for his relentless power, presents a formidable challenge. British veteran Dave Allen, who has shared the ring with Makhmudov and trained with Joshua in the past, offered his insights.
“I think I’d pick (Anthony) Joshua to beat him (Arslanbek Makhmudov). I think Joshua will flatten him in a couple rounds. But he’s a dangerous guy though, so it’d be a good fight while it lasted.” – Dave Allen
Allen`s assessment underscores the inherent risk: Makhmudov is undeniably dangerous, capable of causing problems for any heavyweight. Yet, his prediction of Joshua “flattening him in a couple rounds” speaks volumes about the perceived gulf in class and Joshua`s latent power. It suggests that while Makhmudov would indeed be a test, it`s a test Joshua is expected to pass with flying colors, reaffirming his destructive capabilities early in his comeback.
The Path Forward
This potential early 2025 undercard bout is more than just a fight; it`s a statement. It signifies Anthony Joshua`s readiness to shed the grandiosity of his past returns for a focused, no-frills re-entry into the demanding heavyweight division. It`s a pragmatic step on a long road, designed to prepare him for the truly monumental fights that undoubtedly await, including the ever-elusive super fight against Deontay Wilder or a potential trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk, should the stars align.
As the boxing world awaits official confirmation, the narrative around Anthony Joshua`s comeback has become undeniably captivating. From main event royalty to strategic undercard participant, AJ`s journey continues to defy expectations, proving that sometimes, the most interesting stories unfold when the brightest stars are willing to step slightly out of the primary spotlight to rebuild their glow.
