Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua’s return in 2025 will be a “development” to prepare him for a massive gamble in 2026

Eddie Hearn confirmed last night that if Anthony Joshua fights before the end of 2025, it will be a competition for “development” to get him “100% ready” for a “big gamble” bout in 2026. He says it would be an undercard bout for Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) and not a headliner.

Who fits Joshua’s “Development” blueprint?

Hearn’s mention of a “big gamble” for Joshua suggests he is not abandoning his vision of the “battle of Britain” between him and Tyson Fury in 2026. It seems he doesn’t take Fury completely seriously about wanting to stay retired due to his age, gray hair, and being “too rich”.

Fury is the only one Hearn has shown eagerness to match Joshua with, and it’s understandable why. He is easily the most popular heavyweight in the division by a long shot. Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has already beaten Joshua twice, and it would be pointless to make a third fight. Fans don’t want to see Joshua lose for a third time, and it’s doubtful Hearn will bother pushing for that type of contest.

“There will be no big name fight this year unless it’s Jake Paul,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. Box Social on Anthony Joshua’s status for his next fight. “It won’t be a headline. It won’t be a pay-per-view. You don’t have to whine about it. It could be part of something that already existed and is for sale. So, there won’t be anyone whining.”

The Slow, Chinny and Weak Candidate Pool

If Joshua does choose to fight on an undercard in December, it will have to be someone who is slow, sloppy and weak. It would be too risky to put AJ in with one of the living dogs, like Fabio Wardley, Agit Kabayel or Moses Itauma, and watch him get knocked out.

Five safe picks for Joshua’s December return

• Arslanbek Makhmudov
• Michael Hunter
• Mahmoud Carr
• Guido Vianello
• Stephen Shaw

“It’s just part of the development to get in position to be 100% ready for the big gamble (in 2026). It doesn’t matter where. It’s not an Anthony Joshua fight night,” Hearn said of Joshua’s next fight should he return to the ring in 2025. “This year, no,” Eddie says of AJ not fighting in 202.

Find the right fall guy for AJ’s Tune-Up

I don’t know about the Joshua “development” talk that Hearn is talking about. It sounds like double talk. Joshua is 36, and is as developed as he will ever be. It’s more about making AJ look like pure gold in December, sharpening him up a bit, and preserving him by making sure he destroys his opponent without getting hit with anything big.

“If he fights this year, he won’t headline because it’s not going to be one of those types. We want to work almost in silence, improve and get into the mode to be 100% ready. It’s about development and getting some activity,” Hearn said.