Anthony Joshua may return to the ring before the end of the year, but not as a main event, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.
Under Hearn’s guidance, Joshua has headlined his last 19 fights, a run which saw him become a two-time heavyweight world champion.
The 35-year-old has been out of the ring since a devastating fifth round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September and his comeback was put on hold after he underwent elbow surgery earlier this year.
Hearn has revealed the Watford man could make his long-awaited return in December, but if he does he will be on an undercard for the first time in almost 11 years.
“There has been a discussion [about him fighting before the end of the year],” the Matchroom Chairman told IFLTV.
“If he fights this year, it will just be a run-out fight.
“Because coming back and fighting in a big arena, in a tough fight after being out for a year-and-a-half, it’s not always that easy and it ain’t about the money this fight this year.
“It’s just about wrapping your hands, going in there and sticking it on someone’s jaw and then going back to camp and then getting ready for another one and then fighting Tyson Fury.
“So it’s 50-50 whether he fights this year.
“But if does, he’ll be added to a card he won’t be headlining.”
‘AJ’ was in discussions to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, but talks were put on hold after the American opted to face Gervonta Davis in an exhibition on November 14.
Joshua was the subject of callouts from both Arslanbek Makhmudov and Guido Vianello following their respective wins on the weekend, with Makhmudov claiming that ‘AJ’ agreed to face him after exchanging messages over social media.
According to Hearn, Joshua is still holding out for a long-awaited showdown with Fury, who retired in January, but is set to return to the ring next year, according to his promoter Frank Warren.
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“It’s exactly what everybody wanted to hear,” the 46-year-old told Sky Sports.
“The thing that AJ wants more than anything, is to fight Tyson Fury.
“That is the biggest fight in the sport… I’m hopeful.
“The only thing that is close to that level [for Joshua] is to win the world heavyweight championship again, which is a big motivation for him.”
