Anthony Joshua may never return to boxing again – Eddie Hearn

Matchroom boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed uncertainty over Anthony Joshua’s future in the ring, admitting the British heavyweight could retire from boxing following the tragic car crash that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends.

The 36-year-old former two-time world champion was involved in a fatal accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in December 2025.

Read also: Can Anthony Joshua box again after tragic road crash kills two close associates?

Although Joshua has returned to the gym and shared images of himself hitting pads in mid-January, describing the sessions as “mental strength therapy” on Snapchat, his boxing future remains uncertain.

Hearn, who has promoted Anthony Joshua since he turned professional in 2013, said the emotional and physical impact of the crash means there is no clarity over when or if Joshua will resume his boxing career.

Read Also: Anthony Joshua quells retirement fears, returns to training weeks after fatal car crash

Speaking on the IFL show, Hearn admitted the recovery process will take time despite Joshua’s return to training.

“I have not had the opportunity to see him since the terrible crash,” Hearn told IFL, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

“It’s not easy. He is keeping himself busy. Physically, he is getting himself over the injuries that he suffered. They are not injuries that will affect him long-term moving forward, but they are injuries that will take time.

“Boxing is a tough and rough sport. You can’t just go back into camp with injuries like that, and I do not know when, or even if, he will go back into camp.

“At the moment, there is no conversation, or no need to have a conversation, about that.”

Joshua had been linked with a long-anticipated bout against Tyson Fury earlier in 2026, but any potential negotiations are now believed to be on hold.

Hearn also downplayed suggestions that Joshua’s presence in the gym signals an imminent return to competitive boxing.

“AJ will always train,” he added. “Do not forget that boxing changed his life forever, and he will never leave the gym.y

“What you are seeing at the moment is not him training for his return. He is training for his own mind. He is training himself to recover and repair. I just cannot believe his strength and resilience.”