Eddie Hearn has made another strong statement about the heavyweight division, this time outlining a clear path for Anthony Joshua’s return. Speaking to FightHubTV, the Matchroom boxing promoter said Joshua could face Deontay Wilder ahead of a planned bout with Tyson Fury in late 2026.
The comments come as Joshua continues to recover from a serious car accident in Nigeria in late 2025. He is working through rehabilitation and recently resumed light training. Hearn’s comments set up a possible schedule that includes a return fight, which would be followed by one of the biggest bouts in modern heavyweight boxing.
Eddie Hearn outlines Anthony Joshua’s comeback plan
Hearn explained that Joshua will need a fight before he can step into the ring with Fury. He pointed to the time Joshua spent away from boxing due to injury and recovery.
“We need a warm-up fight before we fight Tyson Fury because AJ is recovering from the accident, he’s rehabbing his body etc,” Hearn said. “We’ll have Deontay Wilder as that warm-up fighter and then we’ll fight Tyson Fury in December.”
Joshua has not fought since the accident which injured his ribs and required several months of physical therapy. His return to full training is scheduled for 2026 gradually. Hearn’s plan reflects a structured approach, starting with a fight against a known opponent before moving to a bigger event.
Hearn predicts quick stoppage against Deontay Wilder
Hearn also made a clear prediction of how the fight between Joshua and Wilder will end. He said Joshua would stop Wilder within three rounds.
Hearn said, “They sent your soul into retirement. I was sitting there in the front row.” “Well, I respect Wilder, and I think he looked a lot better. But let me tell you because I was six feet away… Anthony Joshua will go through Deontay Wilder within three rounds.”
Wilder, a former WBC heavyweight champion, remains active in the division. He is known for his knockout power and has scored several stoppage victories during his career. According to Hearn, his recent performances have seen adjustments in pace and timing.
This fight could lead to Joshua vs. Fury
The fight between Joshua and Wilder will carry extra significance because of their history. The two fighters have been linked for years, but past negotiations did not lead to a fight. Issues relating to purse division and promotion terms delayed any agreement during their championship run.
If the fight takes place in 2026, it would serve as an important step towards a meeting with Fury. Joshua and Fury have also been linked to a potential matchup for several years, but scheduling and other factors have prevented it from happening.
Hearn’s timeline suggests Joshua could return in the summer, face Wilder and then move on to fight Fury in December. Fury remains one of the leading names in the heavyweight division, and a bout with Joshua would be a huge event.
Wilder’s participation will depend on the terms of the agreement between the two camps. They have topped the division and faced major opponents over the last decade. The outcome of any proposed fight will dictate the direction of the heavyweight scene.
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