Anthony Joshua boxing return update after Tyson Fury negotiations | Boxing | Sport

Eddie Hearn has revealed he expects Anthony Joshua to return to the ring after his crash in Nigeria last year, but has admitted his long-awaited battle with Tyson Fury may never come. Joshua hasn’t fought since he knocked Jake Paul out in September.

After beating the internet sensational, a mouth-watering showdown with Fury was expected to follow. A September date had been touted, with a warm-up against kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven to take place before.

Speaking to First Round TV, Hearn admitted he believes the Watford-born will return to the spot, but has no idea when that will be. “I don’t think there is any guarantees he fights again,” he said.

“But at the same time, I expect him to because it is something that he loves. And it is something he can carry those guys with him through as well, and it is something he wants to do.

“From a boxing sense, physically it wasn’t easy what he went through either. People probably don’t realise the extend of that. He has been training, but he is not ready yet and won’t be for a while to return to [full] boxing training.”

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The boxing world has been waiting for Joshua and Fury to lock horns for a number of years now, something Hearn has been front and centre of attempting to organise. However, the boxing promoter has conceded the fight may never take place.

“Before this terrible incident, we were geared up to fight in March and then fight Tyson Fury,” he added. “Obviously, that is not happening now, and I don’t know if it ever will happen right now.”