Anthony Joshua trains in reunion with Oleksandr Usyk as update given on comeback

Anthony Joshua has returned to Oleksandr Usyk’s training camp as he continues to step up plans to return.

Joshua defeated Jake Paul by brutal KO in December, but was involved in a car accident later that month in Nigeria that killed two of his close friends.

For a while it appeared the Briton’s boxing future was in doubt, as he took time away to deal with things more important than the sport.

But it appears he is closing in on a return to full training camp, having been pictured in training with current unified heavyweight champion Usyk.

Joshua left trainer Ben Davison and moved to join Usyk’s team for his victory over Paul as he sought a new environment to breathe new life into his career.

And after a turbulent period, the former two-time world champion pictured training together.

Usyk and Joshua lifted weights together and shared a laugh as they hit the gym.

The operation was overseen by team Usyk coach Iegor Golub, who will likely corner the power-puncher for his imminent return.

It will be a refreshing sight for the boxing world who have been keen to know if Joshua will make a new squared circle bow in 2026.

What is next for Joshua and will he fight again?

Prior to his accident, Joshua had looked set to return in February against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven, who Usyk will now fight instead in May.

He had also agreed a showdown with Tyson Fury for the summer, but that will now be on ice despite the framework having been put in place.

Nothing is being rushed with the Briton who will be given all the time in the world by his team to recover physically and mentally.

AFP

And Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn believes if a comeback does get cleared, he will return towards the end of the summer before another fight at the back end of the year.

He said in the latest update on Joshua’s career: “This is going to take some time. And the last thing we’re going to do is rush. So, we are well up for revisiting the plan.

“But what I can’t tell you at the moment is the timings of that plan.

“But if all goes well, I think there’s a good chance you’ll see him return July or August time, and then potentially fight Tyson Fury in November or December of 2026.

“But at the moment, let’s just get him back. Let’s see if he’s physically ready to start resuming proper training.

Boxing schedule

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“I will go into camp with Anthony Joshua next week, when he starts and we will start having conversations about what is next.

“Those conversations will go in tandem with Turki Alalshikh and Sela and everybody to see the position regarding a Tyson Fury fight.

“We are more than up for that fight, but AJ needs to go back into camp and we need to understand physically how long it will take him to return to boxing, and we are not rushing him and he isn’t rushing himself.”