Anthony Joshua resumes training ahead of 2026 ring return

Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has resumed training as he builds towards a highly anticipated return to the ring in early 2026.

Joshua, who is set to make history by staging his first professional fight in Nigeria with the government’s backing, posted fresh footage of himself working on the punchbag alongside the caption: “Rehab protocol.”

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The 35-year-old has been out of action since suffering a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in 2024. An elbow surgery earlier this year further delayed his comeback, but his return to the gym signals the start of preparations for a tune-up fight.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that Joshua will not head straight into a mega-fight, insisting the Briton will need to shake off ring rust before what he described as a potential “final roll of the dice” next summer.

Joshua, however, has already set his sights on a showdown with domestic rival Tyson Fury, who has yet to fight in 2025 after announcing his retirement in January.

In a recent social media post, Joshua saluted Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley for agreeing to face each other, before taking aim at Fury, “Real recognises real. Joe Parker’s in the game to fight whoever, whenever – unlike his dippy mate Tyson Fury. I’ll save the rest for a potential Gloves Are Off if he ever comes back and fights Big Femi.”

Joshua’s return would mark a pivotal moment for the heavyweight division, with 2026 shaping up as a blockbuster year.