British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is preparing to make his comeback to the ring in July 2026, marking his first bout since surviving a fatal car accident in Nigeria late last year.
The 36-year-old former two-time world heavyweight champion was involved in a serious road crash on December 29, 2025, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
The collision with a stationary truck claimed the lives of two close members of his team: strength and conditioning coach Sina Ghami and trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
Joshua sustained minor injuries but was discharged from hospital shortly after and has since been recovering in the UK.
Joshua’s last fight was a victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami on December 19, 2025, just days before the tragedy.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that plans for an earlier return were delayed due to the accident, but Joshua is now targeting a summer comeback as part of negotiations for a high-profile deal in Saudi Arabia, likely under Riyadh Season.
According to Hearn, Joshua is expected to take a warm-up/tune-up fight in July, followed by a potential blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury in November.
While names like Deontay Wilder have been floated in discussions, the focus remains on getting Joshua back in competitive shape first. Fury has publicly called out Joshua, but the plan prioritizes a return bout before any mega-fight.
Joshua made his first public appearance in the UK in early April at the O2 Arena and has spoken emotionally about the loss of his friends, vowing to honour their memory.
He has also returned to training, including sessions at his original gym under early coach Sean Murphy.
Fans and the boxing world have expressed support for the popular fighter’s recovery and comeback. No official opponent or venue for the July fight has been confirmed yet, but expectations are building for an announcement soon.
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