British boxing star Anthony Joshua may be approaching the final rounds of his illustrious career, according to his long-time promoter Eddie Hearn.
Hearn, who has managed Joshua since his breakout gold medal performance at the 2012 London Olympics, revealed in a recent interview that the former two-time world heavyweight champion could hang up his gloves as early as next year.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the Matchroom Boxing chief said Joshua is potentially just three fights away from retirement, signaling that 2026 could mark the end of an era for the 34-year-old pugilist.
Probably 2026 will be his last year in the sport,” Hearn said. “You never know with boxing, but realistically, I think it’s three fights away. If I’m advising AJ, I’d say let’s come back this year, do two Tyson Fury fights, and then what else is left to prove?”
Joshua, who has not entered the ring since suffering a knockout loss to fellow Briton Daniel Dubois nine months ago, is reportedly still weighing his next move in the heavyweight division. Despite setbacks, he remains one of the biggest names in global boxing, and fans have long clamored for a mega-fight with reigning WBC champion Tyson Fury.
With time ticking and the landscape of heavyweight boxing constantly shifting, Hearn’s comments have reignited discussions around Joshua’s legacy and whether he will go out on a high note—or attempt one last shot at reclaiming heavyweight dominance.
As anticipation builds around Joshua’s comeback, all eyes will be on whether the long-awaited showdown with Fury finally materializes—and if it will serve as the grand finale of the AJ era.
