Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua could potentially retire from professional boxing as early as 2026.
Hearn, who has guided Joshua's professional career since his Olympic gold medal victory at London 2012, admitted that the British boxer might have only three more fights left in his career.
"Probably 2026 will be his last year in the sport," the Matchroom boss told the Ariel Helwani Show. "You never know, but thinking about it, it's probably three fights away."
Joshua has not fought since suffering a damaging knockout defeat to fellow Briton Daniel Dubois nine months ago and is currently planning his next move in the sport.
Future Fight Plans
Hearn outlined what he believes would be the ideal path forward for Joshua before hanging up his gloves. "If I'm advising AJ I'm thinking, 'We're back this year, two Tyson Fury fights, what else is there to do?'" he said.
The revelation comes at a critical juncture in Joshua's career. At 34 years old, the boxer has already accomplished significant milestones, including two reigns as unified world heavyweight champion, but has faced setbacks in recent years with losses to Andy Ruiz Jr., Oleksandr Usyk (twice), and most recently Dubois.
Joshua had previously expressed interest in facing Tyson Fury in 2025, stating that Fury was his target for the coming year. This aligns with Hearn's suggested timeline for Joshua's remaining fights.
The British boxer has diversified his interests beyond the ring in recent years, including a visit to President Tinubu and expressing interest in football club ownership, potentially preparing for life after boxing.
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