Joshua back in training

Anthony Joshua’s return to training marks a significant milestone after a harrowing late-2025 car accident that left him with severe injuries, including a double jaw fracture requiring extensive surgery. The former heavyweight champion spent months in recovery, with doctors initially uncertain about his ability to return to the ring due to the risk of reinjury. Recent viral clips of Joshua demolishing a heavy bag with his signature power have reignited fan excitement, showcasing that his physical capabilities may be intact despite the long layoff (boxingnews24.com). The accident, which occurred on a rainy night in November 2025, involved a collision with another vehicle on a London motorway. Joshua sustained injuries that sidelined him from a planned title eliminator bout, costing him a potential shot at the WBA heavyweight belt. Reports at the time indicated he was lucky to survive, with emergency responders noting the severity of the crash. His team has since remained tight-lipped about the emotional toll, focusing instead on his physical rehabilitation (fightsports.tv). Promoter Eddie Hearn, who has guided Joshua’s career through two world title reigns, confirmed that while no fight date is set, discussions are underway for a tune-up bout in late 2026 to test Joshua’s readiness. Hearn emphasized caution, stating that medical clearance and a full assessment of Joshua’s jaw strength are prerequisites before any high-stakes match. The promoter also hinted at potential venues in Saudi Arabia or the UK, where Joshua remains a massive draw with over 1.2 million pay-per-view buys for his last fight in 2024 (boxingnews24.com). Meanwhile, Tyson Fury, the lineal heavyweight champion, has kept the prospect of a mega-fight with Joshua alive, calling it “the biggest fight in boxing history” during a press conference for his own comeback bout against Arslenbek Makhmudov on April 11, 2026. Fury, who has faced Joshua twice in hypothetical matchups that never materialized due to contractual disputes, acknowledged Joshua’s resilience and said their schedules aligning post-recovery could finally deliver the long-awaited showdown. Industry analysts estimate such a fight could generate over $200 million in revenue (fightsports.tv). Joshua’s camp has yet to respond to Fury’s comments, focusing instead on ensuring a safe return. Sports medicine experts have weighed in, noting that jaw injuries pose unique risks in combat sports due to the potential for nerve damage or structural weakness under impact. Joshua is reportedly undergoing specialized testing with a team of maxillofacial surgeons to mitigate these concerns before stepping back into sparring (boxingnews24.com). Looking ahead, the boxing world is eager to see if Joshua can reclaim his place among the elite. His last title reign ended in 2022, and at 36 years old, time is a factor. If the tune-up fight proves successful, promoters are likely to fast-track negotiations for a blockbuster—potentially against Fury or another top contender like Deontay Wilder. For now, fans and analysts alike are watching every training update, hopeful that one of Britain’s biggest boxing stars can defy the odds once more (fightsports.tv).