Anthony Joshua Return: Hearn Targets July Fight After December Nigeria Crash

Anthony Joshua is expected to return to training camp within the next month as promoter Eddie Hearn targets a July fight date.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed on Thursday in Nottingham that an Anthony Joshua return to the boxing ring is being targeted for July. The former heavyweight champion is scheduled to re-enter training camp within the next two to four weeks, marking his first professional activity since a December car crash in Nigeria. That incident resulted in the deaths of two of Joshua's closest associates, Sina Ghami and Latif "Latz" Ayodele. While Joshua avoided major physical injuries during the collision, his recovery process has focused on mental and spiritual readiness rather than immediate athletic output.

Revised 2024 Boxing Schedule and Tyson Fury Timeline

The original trajectory for Joshua’s career involved a scheduled bout in March followed by a high-profile showdown against Tyson Fury in August. Hearn explicitly stated in Nottingham that this plan has been scrapped. The Tyson Fury fight will not be Joshua's next appearance; instead, the promoter is looking at options for a late summer return, specifically pinpointing July as the goal. If a deal with Fury is to be salvaged, Hearn estimates it would likely occur at the end of 2024 or potentially as late as early 2027.

Joshua is currently in a phase of rest and preparation, as he is not yet physically in a position to endure the rigors of a full training camp. Hearn noted that the feasibility of a July fight depends entirely on how Joshua performs once he arrives at camp in the coming weeks. The promoter acknowledged that any opponent will pose a danger given the significant personal trauma Joshua has navigated since the end of last year.

Personal Recovery and Spiritual Motivation

Speaking publicly for the first time since the December tragedy, Joshua emphasized that his motivation for returning to the sport is rooted in fulfilling the dreams of Ghami and Ayodele. He described his late friends as his "brothers" and stated his goal is to continue helping their families achieve the objectives they set before their passing. Joshua credited a higher power for providing the strength necessary to move forward, noting that physical power alone would not be sufficient to overcome the loss of his inner circle.

Joshua believes that while his friends are no longer present in the physical world, they will aid him spiritually during his upcoming training sessions and matches. This spiritual connection is a central pillar of his comeback strategy as he prepares to transition from his current rest period back into a competitive environment. He expressed deep gratitude for the well-wishes received from the public during his hiatus from the sport.

Future Matchmaking and Camp Logistics

The immediate focus for the Joshua camp is the transition back to a structured training environment. Hearn’s planning remains fluid, as the promoter is waiting for the fighter to demonstrate he is physically ready to commit to a specific date. The shift from a March return to a July target provides a four-month delay from the initial 2024 roadmap. This adjustment ensures that Joshua has the necessary time to recover from the emotional toll of the Nigeria crash before stepping back into the spotlight.

While the boxing world remains focused on a potential undisputed clash or a domestic rivalry with Fury, the current priority is a safe and successful return to the ring against a yet-to-be-named opponent. Hearn remains open to the Fury fight later in the year, but the immediate objective is simply getting Joshua back into camp by the end of the month. The upcoming weeks will determine if the July timeline is a reality or if the return will be pushed further into the late summer months.