As of April 24, 2026, Anthony Joshua is scheduled to make his professional boxing return in July 2026, with an official opponent announcement expected in the coming weeks. This “sharpness” bout will serve as a warm-up for a massive, multi-fight agreement that concludes with a historic “Battle of Britain” showdown against Tyson Fury in November 2026. Following his victory over Jake Paul in December 2025, Joshua’s career was temporarily sidelined by a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and trainers. After months of rehabilitation and light training, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that negotiations for the July and November dates are in their final stages, with Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season expected to fund the blockbuster year-end event. This guide provides the most up-to-date information on Joshua’s recovery status, potential summer opponents, and the logistics of the fight that is being hailed as the biggest in British heavyweight history.
The July 2026 Comeback Fight
Following a period of intense physical and emotional recovery, Anthony Joshua is targeting a summer return to the ring. This fight is designed to test his conditioning after a six-month layoff and ensure he is prepared for the championship level required to face Tyson Fury.
Target Date: Mid-to-late July 2026.
Potential Opponents: While Deontay Wilder was originally considered, current rumors suggest a top-15 ranked opponent like Zhilei Zhang or a domestic rival to maximize sharpness without the extreme risk of a Wilder knockout.
Location: Promoters are currently scouting venues in London (likely Wembley or Tottenham) and Riyadh, though a UK homecoming is preferred for the summer return.
Stakes: This is a “must-win” bout; any loss or significant injury would likely void the signed agreement for the Tyson Fury mega-fight in November.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has emphasized that this fight is about “body testing.” After the car accident in Nigeria, Joshua has been focused on low-impact gym work and is currently awaiting final medical clearance for full-contact sparring. If the July fight goes ahead as planned, it will mark Joshua’s second appearance in seven months and a critical step in reclaiming his status as the division’s top draw.
The November 2026 “Battle of Britain”
The fight the world has waited a decade for is finally nearing reality. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are in the final stages of signing a contract for a November 2026 clash.
Negotiations and Broadcasting
Eddie Hearn recently confirmed to iFL TV that while the contract isn’t signed, the “final points” are being ironed out. In a massive shift for the industry, the bout is expected to be broadcast live on Netflix, following the streaming giant’s successful venture into boxing with Tyson Fury’s April 11 victory over Arslanbek Makhmudov. This partnership reflects the modern era of sports media, moving away from traditional pay-per-view models toward global subscription platforms.
The Fury Factor
Tyson Fury called out Joshua immediately after his win in London on April 11, urging him to skip a summer warm-up and fight him directly. Joshua, however, has opted for the July date to shake off ring rust. The November fight is being described not just as the “fight of the century,” but as a cultural event that could take place at Wembley Stadium or as the centerpiece of Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia.
Recovery from the Nigeria Accident
The narrative of Anthony Joshua’s 2026 season is inextricably linked to the tragic events of December 2025. His survival and return to sport have become a central theme of his current training camp.
In late December 2025, Joshua was involved in a fatal car crash near Lagos, Nigeria, while traveling with his team. The accident tragically killed his close friends and trainers, Latif “Latz” Ayodele and Sina Ghami. Joshua escaped with relatively minor physical injuries but spent the early months of 2026 in seclusion and rehabilitation. His return to the gym in February was met with widespread support from the boxing community, and he has since been seen training alongside Oleksandr Usyk, who has been guiding him through his emotional and physical comeback.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to attend or watch Anthony Joshua’s 2026 fights, the following logistics are essential.
Tickets: Tickets for a potential July London fight are expected to go on sale in May 2026. Prices for standard seating usually start around £60, with ringside VIP packages exceeding £2,000.
Watching Online: With the move to Netflix, ensure your subscription is active. Unlike traditional PPV, these 2026 mega-fights may be included in the standard monthly fee or a specialized “Sports Tier.”
Travel to Venues: If the fight is at Wembley, use the Jubilee or Metropolitan lines to Wembley Park. For Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, use the London Overground to White Hart Lane.
Official Announcements: Follow Matchroom Boxing and Queensberry Promotions on social media for the “Save the Date” alerts, which are expected in the next 14 days.
FAQs
When is Anthony Joshua’s next fight?
Anthony Joshua is expected to fight in July 2026, with a second, larger bout against Tyson Fury planned for November 2026.
Who is Anthony Joshua fighting next?
The opponent for July has not been officially named, but promoters are looking for a top-ranked contender to prepare him for the Fury fight.
Is the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua fight signed?
Promoter Eddie Hearn says they are in the “final stages” of negotiations, with an agreement expected to be signed by the end of April 2026.
Where can I watch the AJ fight in 2026?
Current reports suggest that Joshua’s 2026 fights will be broadcast on Netflix, following the platform’s expansion into live sports.
How is Anthony Joshua’s health after the car crash?
Joshua is recovering well and has returned to the gym. He is currently awaiting final medical clearance for full-contact sparring.
Did Anthony Joshua beat Jake Paul?
Yes, Anthony Joshua defeated Jake Paul via 6th-round knockout in December 2025, just over a week before his car accident.
Will the Fury vs. Joshua fight be in the UK?
While Saudi Arabia is funding the fight, there is a strong push from Turki Alalshikh to stage the event at Wembley Stadium in London.
How much will tickets for Joshua vs. Fury cost?
Expect standard tickets to be priced between £80 and £500, with high-demand hospitality tickets reaching into the thousands.
Who is training Anthony Joshua in 2026?
Following the loss of his regular trainers in 2025, Joshua has been seen training with a new team and receiving guidance from Oleksandr Usyk.
Is Deontay Wilder still an option for Joshua?
Eddie Hearn mentioned that while AJ is “game” to fight Wilder, the current deal with the Saudis prioritizes the Tyson Fury fight for November.
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