Anthony Joshua could retire from boxing sooner than anyone thought

Anthony Joshua might hang up his gloves if he suffers defeat in his upcoming bout, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

The former two-time heavyweight world champion hasn't stepped into the ring since his loss to Daniel Dubois last September. Following recent elbow surgery, he's now planning his comeback to the squared circle. Hearn has disclosed that the British fighter is scheduled to compete in January, with his sights set on bigger names next summer.

YouTube sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul was among the potential opponents discussed, with a clash seemingly lined up for early next year. Paul was so keen to face the heavyweight that he was prepared to accept just ONE PER CENT of the fight purse. But the bout collapsed after the 'Problem Child' confirmed he'll be taking on Gervonta Davis instead, reports All Out Fighting.

With Joshua and his camp now exploring other options, Hearn has opened up about his star client's future, warning how a loss at this point would be "devastating" to hopes of future showdowns against Tyson Fury or other elite heavyweights. "We've got to choose carefully for the next fight and I think the best way in all of this is just to be honest and say the next fight will be a comeback fight to build into a roll of the dice next summer," Hearn told Sky Sports.

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"We want that to be against Tyson Fury. If it's not, it's going to be a massive fight. We need a top-15 guy [next]. It's not going to be Fury, Usyk, Dubois, all of those top guys. We need someone so that AJ can come back in a competitive fight after being out for what will be over a year and get himself ready for what will be one last roll of the dice. A defeat now at this stage of his career would be devastating to those plans. So we need to get it right."

Topping Hearn's wish-list is an all-British clash between Joshua and Fury. The 'Gypsy King' stepped away from boxing in January following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, but shocked supporters in July by reversing his retirement decision. Yet just weeks later, the former two-time heavyweight champion ruled out any immediate return to action.

Regarding a potential Fury versus Joshua bout, Hearn confessed: "Right now all that's in my mind in an ideal scenario is to fight Tyson Fury next year. That's the big focus. From a common-sense perspective the fight has to happen in 2026 but common sense and Fury's decisions don't always gel together. He's got to want to come back. It's a personal decision."

Prior to his return, Hearn has confirmed it won't be against fighters such as Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk or Joseph Parker. Tony Yoka's name has been mentioned in recent weeks, whilst the victor of the Efe Ajagba-Frank Sanchez IBF eliminator represents another possibility. Ghana has been mooted as one of the potential venues for the upcoming contest.

Speaking about Joshua's comeback, Hearn disclosed: "There's been no conversations with [Yoka] about the fight but it's not going to Fury, Usyk, Dubois, Moses [Itauma], Parker, it's just not going to be one of those guys next. If there was a way to win a world title it would be amazing to see him become a three-time world heavyweight champion."

When is Anthony Joshua's next fight?

With Joshua presently recuperating from surgery on his elbow - as previously mentioned, his promoter anticipates the boxer will return early next year. An opponent is yet to be confirmed. 'AJ' hasn't competed since enduring a crushing knockout loss to Dubois last September.

A rematch with 'Triple D' could be on the cards after Dubois' manager - Sam Jones - welcomed the idea of a second showdown with 'AJ', stating: "The rematch with AJ is always there. I'm a big AJ fan - I've made no secret of that. He's a proud man, and I know he won't want to keep seeing that knockout by Daniel on his screen. I'm sure he'll want to right that wrong. And if he ever wants to, then let's get it on. It's all about what's best for Daniel now - WBO, IBF, WBC. He belongs at the top table in heavyweight boxing. He's an elite-level heavyweight. All those names you mentioned - Daniel will be back in the mix."