Eddie Hearn reveals new timeline for Anthony Joshua’s return to the ring – and his potential opponents after his humbling Daniel Dubois defeat

Anthony Joshua is set to return to the ring next summer for his must-win fight, Eddie Hearn has revealed. 

The 35-year-old suffered a brutal KO in his last fight, against fellow Brit Daniel Dubois for the IBF belt in September.

Joshua’s next fight is huge – with his promoter Hearn admitting last week that another defeat may force him to hang up his gloves. 

AJ was due for a rematch against Dubois in February until his team convinced him to rest and allow some niggling injuries to heal. 

And Hearn has revealed that it won’t be too long until we see Joshua fighting for his career. 

‘You’ll see him back around May or June,’ said Hearn. 

Promoter Eddie Hearn (right) has admitted that Joshua’s next fight could well be his last

Tyson Fury would be Hearn’s ideal choice as an opponent but the Gypsy King is currently focused on next month’s unified heavyweight title rematch with Oleksandr Usyk

‘There’s a lot of work to do for AJ (but) he’s very motivated, he’s had a good rest. 

‘For me, the two fights are Daniel Dubois or Tyson Fury.’ 

Fury is currently gearing up for next month’s unified heavyweight title rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

But Hearn has not given up hope of pulling off a fight between Joshua and the Gypsy King which would be one of the biggest in British history. 

‘I get asked about this fight every day,’ Matchroom chief Hearn told Pro Boxing Fans.

 ‘Win or lose (for Fury against Usyk), you’re going to see that fight. But we’d much rather Tyson Fury won because he’d be world heavyweight champion again. 

‘Either way, we need to see that fight in 2025 and I believe we will.’