Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua is running out of time to cement his legacy – will he dare to face Deontay Wilder next, or is destiny saving him for a final, explosive showdown with Tyson Fury?
Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua is likely to hang up his gloves in 2026, leaving the former world heavyweight champion with just three or four fights left to define his legacy. Hearn hopes those final bouts will finally pit Joshua against his long-time rivals — Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.
According to Hearn, Joshua’s countdown has officially begun. With retirement looming, the British star is now in a race against time to secure the defining fights that have so far eluded him. Despite years of buildup, clashes with Wilder and Fury never materialized — bouts that could have decided the undisputed heavyweight crown.
Now, the stakes are different. All three — Joshua, Wilder, and Fury — have suffered recent defeats. Fury stepped away from boxing after his second loss to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, while Joshua is still rebuilding following a devastating knockout by Daniel Dubois last year.
Having undergone successful elbow surgery, Joshua is eyeing a comeback bout before the end of 2025.
“Deontay Wilder fights next week. I know his name’s been mentioned,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“There’s a real possibility AJ could fight Wilder in October, November, or December — and then face Tyson Fury. That would complete his run against every elite heavyweight of this generation.”
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Hearn insists Joshua’s next fight will be crucial. “AJ must win, and that performance will tell us everything about his future,” he said.
Despite Fury’s retirement, Hearn remains optimistic about a long-awaited British blockbuster.
“If we don’t make the Fury fight, it would be a big shame,” he admitted.
“There’s no excuse now — the fans deserve it. Seeing them finally face off would be an iconic moment for British boxing and sport as a whole.”
Hearn confirmed Joshua’s comeback is targeted for late 2025, with hopes of setting up a Fury clash in 2026 — possibly the last fight of his storied career.
“2026 could be his final year in boxing,” Hearn said. “That’s only three or four fights away. He’s still motivated, physically strong, and ready for one last run. Hopefully, that run ends with Tyson Fury.”
