Joshua Set for Wilder Fight in July 2026 Before Fury Clash

Anthony Joshua is set to return to the boxing ring in July 2026 against Deontay Wilder, as part of a plan to prepare for a long-awaited showdown with rival Tyson Fury later that year, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

The 36-year-old British heavyweight has been sidelined since knocking out Jake Paul in the sixth round in December 2025, his first fight in over a year following a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024. Just days after the Paul victory, Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends, Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Joshua sustained only minor physical injuries but has focused on rehabilitation and low-impact training in the early months of 2026. Hearn described Joshua as "fired up" and undergoing a mindset shift, noting his recent attendance at events like Derek Chisora's fight against Wilder, marking Joshua's first major public appearance since the incident.

Wilder, the 39-year-old American former WBC champion, earned the potential matchup with a split decision victory over Chisora on April 4, 2026, at London's O2 Arena. In a post-fight exchange, Wilder approached Joshua ringside and shouted, "Let's do it," followed...