AJ's Elbow Surgery Throws Wrench in Boxing Comeback – Fury Showdown on Ice

By Lewis Barnett 4 May, 2025 5 mins read 51 Views

Damn. Just when we thought we might finally see Anthony Joshua back in the ring this summer, the boxing gods had other ideas.

I was chatting with my mate down at the local gym yesterday (guy's an absolute AJ fanatic, has every fight recorded) when the news dropped. His face fell faster than Joshua did against Dubois last September at Wembley. That knockout still gives me nightmares, if I'm honest.

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The Elbow That Wouldn't Heal

Turns out our boy AJ hasn't been able to punch properly since that Dubois disaster. Not exactly something you want to hear about a heavyweight boxer, is it? Joshua finally spilled teh beans to DAZN about needing "a little surgery" on his elbow this month. Little surgery, big implications.

Six to eight weeks recovery time.

That's basically the death knell for Eddie Hearn's hopes of a June or July comeback. Poor Eddie. Man's probably tearing his perfectly coiffed hair out right now trying to rejig the entire Matchroom summer schedule.

What Happens When Your Body Says "Nope"

At 35, Joshua's body has been through absolute hell. Twenty professional fights, Olympic gold, those grueling training camps... it adds up. I remember watching him back in 2018 when he seemed absolutely invincible. Now he's talking about "rebuilding" himself.

"My body has been through the works innit," Joshua admitted. There's something painfully honest about that statement.

Listen. Athletes lie about injuries constantly. They downplay them, hide them, fight through them. The fact that AJ is openly discussing this surgery suggests it's been a serious problem.

The Fury Fight That Never Was (And Still Isn't)

We've been waiting for a Joshua-Fury showdown since... what, 2019? Longer? I've aged about 15 years waiting for these two British heavyweights to actually meet in the ring. My dad and I had a £50 bet on it happening in 2022. Neither of us collected.

When asked about facing Fury, Joshua gave the most Joshua answer ever: "We'll save that conversation for another time... Same same, nothing changed."

Translation: Yes, I want the fight. No, I'm not going to beg for it. And yes, we've been having this exact same conversation for half a decade.

From Good to Great – Or Else

The most revealing thing Joshua said? "To be good is not enough in boxing, if you want to be a world champion you've got to be great."

That hit me hard. Because he's right.

AJ was "good" against Dubois. And good gets you knocked out at the elite level. He admitted as much, saying he needs to "step my game up" and be "on his s***" to reclaim championship status.

Meanwhile, the heavyweight division moves on without him. Usyk and Dubois are set for an undisputed title clash in July. The same Dubois who sent Joshua to dreamland. The same Usyk who outboxed him twice.

The Waiting Game (Again)

So here we are again, waiting for Anthony Joshua to heal, rebuild, and return. Best case scenario? We might see him back for a December fight. Worst case? Well... let's not go there.

I've followed AJ since his Olympic days. Watched him rise, fall, rise again, adn fall again. Boxing's cruel that way.

The clock is ticking. At 35, with a surgically repaired elbow, can he really climb back to the top?

God. I hope so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can boxing help improve mental health?

Boxing can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, boosting self-esteem, providing a sense of accomplishment, and promoting discipline. The concentration required to train can also be used as a form meditation. It helps clear the brain and improves concentration.

What should I do as a novice in boxing?

Beginners should focus on proper technique and form. It is important to master the basics of punching, develop a solid defense, improve your footwork and condition. Prioritize technique over power and get guidance from a coach who knows what they are doing.

Do beginners need to spar in boxing?

For beginners, sparring isn't necessary. You should consider it only after you have established a strong foundation in the fundamentals and reached a high level of fitness. Under the supervision of a trainer and wearing appropriate protective gear, sparring is vital for safety and learning.

When can I start boxing?

Absolutely, you can begin boxing at any age as long as you are in good health and have clearance from your physician. Boxing can be adapted to fit individuals of any age and fitness level.

What is the proper stance in boxing?

The classic boxing stance involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, the lead foot forward, and the rear foot at a 45-degree angle. Your knees should be slightly bent, with your weight balanced on the balls of your feet. Keep your arms up to shield your face and your elbows tucked to protect your torso.

Statistics

An analysis of boxing workouts demonstrates that participants can maintain a heart rate at 75-85% of their maximum, which is the optimal range for cardiovascular training.
Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
Approximately 50% of beginner boxers drop out within the first six months, highlighting the importance of sustaining motivation and setting realistic goals.
On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.

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How To

How to Prepare mentally for Boxing Training

Mental game is key to success in boxing. Before training, develop a routine which could include mental rehearsals and visualization of techniques. You can also set goals for each training session. Positive self talk and mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can help improve focus and manage stress. Remember that boxing is as much about learning and self-improvement as it is about competition, so approach each session with an open mind and determination.