The boxing world received exciting yet bittersweet news this week. Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has officially announced his comeback date—but it comes with a twist that could derail one of the most anticipated heavyweight showdowns in modern boxing history.

Joshua confirmed that he will return to the ring on September 21, 2025, in a major card expected to take place at Wembley Stadium in London. While fans are thrilled to see “AJ” back in action, the announcement has cast serious doubt over the long-awaited Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury mega-fight that boxing fans around the world have craved for years.

Comeback Confirmed

Joshua’s team made the comeback announcement via a press release on Monday morning, followed by an Instagram post from the British boxer himself that read: “The return. September 21. Wembley. Let’s go to work.”

While Joshua did not immediately reveal his opponent, sources close to Matchroom Boxing suggest that negotiations are underway with two top-10 ranked heavyweights, including Croatian powerhouse Filip Hrgović and American contender Jared Anderson. Both are considered tough matchups, but neither match carries the historic weight of a showdown with Fury.

The September return comes after months of speculation about Joshua’s next move following his dominant win over Otto Wallin in December 2024. Many believed it was finally setting the stage for the long-awaited undisputed British heavyweight clash between Joshua and WBC champion Tyson Fury.

What About Fury?

Here’s where the bad news starts. Despite mutual public interest from both fighters, recent developments have made the Joshua-Fury fight look increasingly unlikely—at least in the near future.

Fury, who was last seen in a controversial draw with Oleksandr Usyk in May 2025, is now expected to pursue a rematch with Usyk to reclaim the WBC belt and settle the score. That rematch is rumored to be targeted for late 2025, possibly in Saudi Arabia.

In addition, Fury’s team reportedly has reservations about splitting revenue and venue control with Joshua’s camp, especially if the latter doesn’t hold a major world title at the time of negotiation.

“We want the fight with Joshua, no doubt,” said Fury’s promoter Frank Warren last week. “But the timing and circumstances have to be right. A rematch with Usyk is the immediate priority.”

A Historic Clash in Jeopardy

The situation leaves fans disappointed. The Joshua vs Fury fight was once touted as the biggest heavyweight showdown since Lennox Lewis vs Mike Tyson. A battle for British supremacy between two global stars, both former champions, both capable of selling out stadiums and generating massive pay-per-view revenue.

But years of failed negotiations, losses, mandatories, and injuries have plagued the chances of this iconic fight happening at its peak.

Joshua himself addressed the situation in a recent interview with Sky Sports:

“Look, I’ve said it many times. I want that fight. The fans want that fight. But I can’t wait around forever. I have to keep moving, keep fighting. If it happens, great. If not, it’s not because of me.”

His comments reflect growing frustration over the delays, as well as a desire to build momentum with regular fights rather than chasing a dream matchup that seems forever out of reach.

What’s Next for Joshua?

While a Fury fight is now off the immediate table, Joshua’s team insists that 2025 will be a “statement year.” Manager Freddie Cunningham noted that “AJ is focused, injury-free, and entering the final prime years of his career. We plan to fight twice before the end of 2025.”

Joshua’s improved performances under trainer Ben Davison have reignited hope that he can climb back to the top of the heavyweight division. A win against a top-10 opponent in September would put him in position for a title shot in early 2026.

And if Tyson Fury does get past Usyk in their potential rematch, the road may once again open for the long-awaited showdown—with even more at stake.

Final Thoughts

Anthony Joshua’s comeback announcement is both a celebration and a sobering reminder. While it marks another chapter in the career of one of the most recognizable boxers in the world, it also signals that the window for a historic Fury vs Joshua bout may be closing.

Boxing fans can only hope that egos, politics, and timing don’t rob them of a fight that could define an era.