Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly set to return to the ring in July as part of a proposed two-fight deal linked to Riyadh Season, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua has been out of action since December, when he recorded a knockout victory in his last fight. He has since resumed training and was recently seen ringside watching Tyson Fury make a successful comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov.
Following that victory, Fury reignited talks of a long-anticipated showdown with Joshua—a fight that has lingered in the heavyweight division for years.
Hearn revealed that current plans involve a preparatory bout in July, potentially setting up a blockbuster clash with Fury in November. Although Deontay Wilder had been mentioned as a possible opponent after calling out Joshua, the risks associated with that matchup appear to have ruled it out for now.
Speaking on the situation, Hearn explained that the proposed deal—reportedly backed by Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season stakeholders—focuses primarily on securing the Fury fight as the main objective.
He added that while Joshua remains open to facing Wilder, the structure of the current agreement makes that option unlikely at this stage, with all attention now shifting toward a potential Joshua vs. Fury showdown later in the year.