Anthony Joshua could be heading back to the ring later this year under the Riyadh Season banner, with talks underway for a two-fight deal, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. The former unified heavyweight champion is eyeing a return following surgery on an injured elbow and is expected to resume full training in the coming weeks.
Joshua’s last two outings both took place in Saudi Arabia - his explosive second-round knockout win over Francis Ngannou and a disappointing stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois. While speculation swirled about a possible trilogy deal, Hearn clarified that discussions have focused on a two-fight package with Turki Alalshikh and the Riyadh Season team.
“We've been doing that,” Hearn told BoxingScene. “Turki said that on the night of Canelo vs. Scull, when we had our meeting, and that’s the plan really. We want to box sometime this year - October, November, December.”
Hearn emphasized that Joshua’s next move will be shaped, in part, by the outcome of the July 19 rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois. Joshua has suffered defeats to both men, and the result could determine who’s next in line. If neither rematch nor a bout with Tyson Fury materializes, Joshua could opt for a tune-up or high-risk alternative.
Names already being seriously discussed include American rising contender Jared Anderson and long-time domestic rival Dillian Whyte, who Joshua stopped in a memorable 2015 clash. Whyte has since campaigned to earn a rematch, while Anderson represents a younger, fresher threat who could put Joshua’s current form to the test.
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