Anthony Joshua returns to gym as Eddie Hearn provides major update on comeback

Anthony Joshua is back in the gym following the death of two of closest friends at the end of last year. 

The former two-time world champion ended 15 months of inactivity in December when he stopped Jake Paul, and he was intent on using that bout as a platform to push on and challenge for the sport’s biggest prizes once again in 2026. 

Less than two weeks later, Joshua’s world was turned upside down when a car he was travelling during a visit to Nigeria was involved in a crash that killed two of his closest allies 

Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele died at the scene and Joshua was fortunate to escape with only minor injuries despite suffering the pain of losing his friends.  

The Ring

Many have pondered what Joshua will do next and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has been eager for his fighter to be provided with plenty of space as he comes to terms with the tragedy. 

Joshua had been highly speculated to be returning in February before heading into a September showdown with longtime rival, Tyson Fury. 

Those plans are no longer straightforward due to Joshua’s personal life, but the 2012 Olympic champion is back punching after recently posting on Snapchat. 

Joshua uploaded a clip of himself working the pads with the tag “Mental Strength Therapy.” 

"He will need his time physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually before he makes a decision on his future,” said Hearn when speaking to Sky Sports earlier this week. 

"I do think he will want to return to boxing, but that will be his decision when the time is right. It is certainly not a conversation I'll be having with him any time soon.”

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