Anthony Joshua is preparing to resume training camp within the coming weeks as he targets a return to the boxing ring this summer.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion has been absent from competition since his dominant victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in December.
His promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that the Watford fighter is approaching full fitness and expects him to begin preparations shortly.
“I think in the next couple of weeks, he’ll probably return to training camp,” Hearn told The Sun.
The 36-year-old’s comeback has been delayed following a devastating personal tragedy that occurred just ten days after his last fight.
Joshua was involved in a horrific road accident in Nigeria, his ancestral homeland, which claimed the lives of two people extremely close to him.
Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both long-standing members of his team and personal friends, died in the collision on the notorious Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Anthony Joshua is preparing to resume training camp within the coming weeks as he targets a return to the boxing ring this summer
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The heavyweight star sustained minor injuries in the crash and has been undergoing rehabilitation since.
His physical recovery has prevented him from entering a proper training environment until now.
Hearn explained that Joshua has been unable to begin camp preparations because his body was not yet ready for the demands of intensive training.
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The Matchroom Boxing chief revealed that training camp represents Joshua’s sanctuary during difficult periods.
“When he’s in camp, that’s his happy place,” Hearn said. “He hasn’t been able to get to camp because, physically, he’s not ready to go into camp. But he’s not far away.”
Hearn emphasised that Joshua’s initial return to training will not be tied to any specific bout or opponent, with the focus purely on reacclimatising to the environment.
Once the former champion has completed several weeks of preparation, Hearn intends to visit him to begin planning his competitive return.
“Which I expect to happen around July,” the promoter added.
Joshua was spotted this week training alongside Oleksandr Usyk, the Ukrainian fighter who defeated him twice during their rivalry.
Anthony Joshua’s last fight was against Jake Paul back in December
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GETTYHowever, he has not yet formally entered a pre-training camp to properly assess his current condition.
The British boxer has pledged to honour the legacies of Ayodele and Ghami, who were significant figures throughout his career.
Hearn acknowledged that his fighter continues to process the loss of his friends.
“It’s still a difficult time. He’s a very positive guy,” the promoter said. “But at the same time, I don’t think it’s something you ever get over.”
