Anthony Joshua’s career in boxing will likely be over by the end of 2026.

That is according to promoter Eddie Hearn who has guided the stellar career of the former two-time heavyweight champion from his professional debut in 2013.

Joshua has had a stellar career and will be back in the ring this year
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Joshua has had a stellar career and will be back in the ring this yearCredit: Queensberry
Joshua hasn’t fought since losing by brutal KO to Daniel Dubois last September, and is currently recovering from surgery.

AJ hoped to fight bitter rival Tyson Fury before the end of his time as a pro, but the ‘Gypsy King’ insists he is retired.

The former Olympian himself is now 35 and he is approaching the twilight years of his stint in the squared circle.

He will fight again, but Hearn believes next year could see his final bow in the ring.

Hearn told Ariel Helwani: “AJ will have been out of the ring just over a year by the time he steps back into the ring.

“He’ll be coming off surgery. I don’t think Tyson Fury will be ready to fight around that time.

“I imagine it will be someone who gears him up for a really big fight in 2026.

“2026 will probably be his last year in the sport. Thinking about it [retirement], it’s probably three fights away.

“If I’m advising AJ, ‘We’re back this year, we have two Tyson Fury fights, and what else is there to do?’

“Maybe fight Daniel Dubois. Once AJ fights Tyson Fury, he’s kind of done it all.

But he only has around 18 months left before retiring per Hearn
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But he only has around 18 months left before retiring per HearnCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
“Something feels right about coming back this year, fighting Tyson Fury twice next year, and then sailing off into the sunset.”

Joshua has had a frustrating year so far as he has been hit with injuries and setbacks.

But he is still arguably the biggest commercial draw in the heavyweight division, and could earn more lucrative paydays.

A two-fight deal with Fury would of course be Joshua’s preference but some huge alternative opponents could lay in waiting.

He is reportedly in talks with Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh over a new two-fight deal.

Reports indicate that fights with Dillian Whyte, Jared Anderson or Deontay Wilder will be explored.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Anthony Joshua reacts being knocked down by Daniel Dubois during the IBF World Heavyweight Title fight between Daniel Dubois and Anthony Joshua, on the Riyadh Season  - Wembley Edition card at Wembley Stadium on September 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
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Joshua will look to make a comeback this year after his defeatCredit: GETTY
And a huge showdown with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has also been on the radar.

The iconic Brit will hope he can make one last push to the world title mix first.

Oleksandr Usyk and Daniel Dubois will rematch on July 19, and AJ could well eye a shot at putting his name in the mix.