Boxing
Eddie Hearn Confirms Anthony Joshua Targeting July Comeback
Prominent boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua is focused on returning to full training, with a possible comeback pencilled in for around July.
READ ALSO: Anthony Joshua Receives Vote Of Confidence From His Extended Family
Speaking on Joshua’s current situation, Hearn revealed that there are no immediate plans for a fight, stressing that the priority is getting the Nigerian-born British boxer back to peak physical condition before any bout discussions take place.
“AJ’s focus right now is getting back into training properly,” Hearn said. “He’s not ready to enter a full camp yet, and there’s no rush. The most important thing is that he feels right physically.”
Hearn dismissed speculation linking Joshua to an immediate showdown with long-time rival Tyson Fury, clarifying that such a fight is not on the table at this moment.
“Tyson Fury is not the next opponent. Nothing has been finalised. Until AJ is back in full training and feeling comfortable, it wouldn’t make sense to talk about names,” he explained.
According to Hearn, Joshua is most at ease when fully immersed in training, and that phase is expected to begin in the coming months.
“He’s happiest when he’s in the gym, working hard, improving himself. Once he’s back in that rhythm, then we’ll start looking at options around the world,” Hearn added.
The promoter noted that a tentative July timeline is realistic if everything progresses smoothly, but insisted that no pressure will be placed on the former champion.
“If July works, great. If it needs to be later, that’s fine too. We’re not forcing anything. This is about longevity and coming back the right way,” he said.
Joshua, a two-time heavyweight world champion, has remained one of boxing’s biggest global attractions despite recent setbacks. Hearn believes that with patience and proper preparation, the next chapter of Joshua’s career can still be a successful one.
“He’s still got so much to give to the sport. The key now is doing things properly and giving himself the best chance when he does return,” Hearn concluded
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The post Eddie Hearn Confirms Anthony Joshua Targeting July Comeback appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Nigerian-born former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Olaseni Oluwafemi Joshua has received a vote of confidence from his extended family, who are ready to support any decision he takes regarding his career.
READ ALSO: NTF’s Techical Director Saidu Musa Gives Nigeria Pass Mark In Tennis Revival
Sports247 gathered that, while many lovers of boxing are still worried that ‘AJ’ may not be emotionally and psychologically stable to step back into the ring, the boxer appears eager to continue his career.
Speculation is still on about Joshua’s next line of action, following the fatal accident he survived on December 29th in Ogun State, but lost two of his closest friends, as his promoter, Eddie Hearn is already making plans for the boxer’s next fight.
Hearn recently revealed that he is targeting a July return for the 36-year-old Joshua, won a gold medal for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games and soon became world heavyweight champion in the professional ranks.
The former two-time champ has also returned to training and repeatedly said he wants to honour his late friends by continuing his career, but some critics insist he should quit in order not to aggravate the trauma.
In reaction to the raging debate, AJ’s oldest uncle at his ancestral roots in Sagamu, Mr Ademola Joshua said the entire family respects the boxer’s choices and they will fully support him in whatever he decides to do.
Ademola added, “We are proud of him, very proud of him. He makes the full decision, and we have full respect for him, whatever he decides. Whatever he has decided within himself, we will support him fully.”
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The post Anthony Joshua Receives Vote Of Confidence From His Extended Family appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has declared his readiness to face the biggest names in the heavyweight division, insisting he is prepared to take on any opponent in the top tier of world boxing.
READ ALSO: Athletes Leave Nigeria Due to Poor Welfare, Lack of Security After Sports — Ajunwa
Ajagba made the bold declaration after recording an emphatic knockout victory over former world champion Charles Martin, a result that has reignited discussions around his place among boxing’s elite.
Speaking after the fight, the Nigerian said he now feels mentally and physically ready to challenge the very best in the division.
“I’m ready for anyone,” Ajagba said. “Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder – whoever is in the top 10. It doesn’t matter anymore.”
The 29-year-old explained that a potential showdown with unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk had previously been discussed but failed to materialise due to circumstances beyond his control.
According to Ajagba, a draw in an earlier bout stalled his momentum at the time, but he believes that chapter is now firmly behind him.
“The Usyk fight didn’t happen before, but that’s in the past,” he said. “What matters is now. I’m focused and ready.”
Ajagba admitted that he underestimated Charles Martin going into the contest but credited his ability to apply sustained pressure for the decisive outcome.
He revealed that staying patient and trusting his power were key to securing his first knockout win since 2023.
“I put a lot of pressure on him,” Ajagba added. “Once I found my rhythm, I knew the knockout would come.”
The Nigerian powerhouse believes his recent performances show significant growth in his boxing intelligence, composure and confidence.
He stressed that he is no longer rushing his development and is fully prepared for the challenges that come with facing the sport’s biggest stars.
Ajagba also acknowledged the competitive nature of the heavyweight division, noting that every top fighter presents a unique test. However, he insisted that his mindset has shifted from potential to certainty.
“I believe in myself now more than ever,” he said. “I’ve put in the work, and I know what I bring into the ring.”
With renewed momentum and growing confidence, Ajagba’s declaration signals his ambition to move from contender status to genuine title challenger, as Nigerian boxing fans eagerly await his next move on the global stage.
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The post Ajagba Declares Readiness to Face Heavyweight Elite After Martin Knockout appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Nigerian heavyweight boxer Efe Ajagba has expressed satisfaction after securing a knockout victory over American Charles Martin, describing the win as a major confidence boost in his career.
Ajagba ended the contest in the fourth round, recording his first knockout victory since 2023. Reflecting on the bout, the Nigerian admitted he initially underestimated his opponent but praised his own response once the fight settled.
“I’ll be honest, I underestimated him a bit,” Ajagba said.
“But once I found my rhythm, I knew I had to apply pressure and take control of the fight.”
The 29-year-old explained that patience and persistence were key to breaking down Martin, adding that the knockout was a reward for sticking to his game plan.
“I stayed calm, kept pushing and trusted my power. When the opportunity came, I took it,” he added.
The victory is seen as a significant step forward for Ajagba as he looks to re-establish himself among the elite heavyweights and build momentum for bigger fights ahead.
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The post Ajagba Delighted With Knockout Win, Admits Underestimating Martin appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
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