Anthony Joshua set for early 2026 return against a top-20 opponent

Anthony Joshua is preparing to return to the ring in early 2026 after more than a year out following his stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois, with promoter Eddie Hearn saying the Watford heavyweight has a shortlist of about 10 potential opponents and is likely to face a top 20, rather than top five, contender for his comeback. Hearn confirmed French Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka is on the list and said discussions to lock in a fight date are advancing as Joshua continues his recovery from summer elbow surgery.

Joshua has not fought since being knocked out inside five rounds by Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. The setback capped a rugged period for the 35 year old, who has twice lost world title fights to Oleksandr Usyk and suffered an upset defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, but who also boasts landmark victories over Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin. His extended absence has already cost him a place in Ring Magazine's top 10 heavyweight rankings, where he was replaced by Efe Ajagba.

Hearn told Sky Sports the comeback bout should contain enough danger to demonstrate Joshua is ready to "roll the dice" on a major summer fight, adding that nothing is final but he...