Eddie Hearn Just Dropped Some News About AJ's Return (And It's About Time)

By Lewis Barnett 3 July, 2025 6 mins read 47 Views

God, I've been waiting for this.

Anthony Joshua is finally coming back to boxing, and Eddie Hearn just spilled the details at Matchroom's rebrand event. The man's been out since September when Daniel Dubois absolutely flattened him, then had to get elbow surgery on top of everything else. Talk about adding insult to injury.

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The Wilder Situation Gets Messy (Again)

Here's where it gets interesting. Hearn was originally chatting with Shelly Finkel about setting up Dave Allen against Wilder - you know, a nice little tune-up fight. But now? Now they're talking about throwing AJ straight back into the deep end against Deontay himself.

"I think it's a great fight," Hearn told SunSport. "I mean there's jeopardy in it, it's dangerous." No kidding, Eddie.

The guy went on to explain how Wilder probably wants to build some confidence back up first. Makes sense after what happened to him last year - Joseph Parker outboxed him, then Zhilei Zhang knocked him clean out. Poor Deontay looked like he'd seen a ghost after that Zhang fight.

Remember When This Fight Actually Mattered?

Back in 2018, these two were supposed to have their big undisputed showdown. All the belts on the line, massive payday, the whole nine yards. Then the usual boxing politics got in the way - different promoters, different TV networks, everyone wanting their slice of the pie.

Saudi Arabia's Turki Alalshikh tried to make it happen again last year, but then Wilder's losing streak killed that dream real quick.

Now we're back to square one, except both fighters are older and coming off losses. The shine's definitely worn off this matchup.

AJ's Taking His Sweet Time

Joshua's been pretty honest about why he took so long off. "I took a year out, first time in about 12 to 13 years as a professional," he said. Smart move, honestly.

The man's 35 now - not exactly ancient for a heavyweight, but not a spring chicken either. He's talking about making "executive decisions" about his career, which sounds like someone who's finally thinking long-term instead of just taking whatever fight gets thrown at him.

"So the minute I come back, you know I'll come back with a bang rather than just keep rolling through and just going with the motions of the sport."

That's the kind of talk I like to hear from a fighter who's been through the wringer.

November or December (If Everything Goes Right)

Hearn says we'll see AJ back in the ring by the end of 2025. He mentioned they're "pinging a few opponents backwards and forwards" - classic promoter speak for "we're still figuring this out."

Wilder just came back against Tyrrell Herndon and looked decent enough, stopping him in seven rounds. Not exactly world-beating stuff, but it's a start.

Listen, I get why this fight still has appeal. Two former champions, both with serious knockout power, both trying to claw their way back to relevance. But let's be real - this should've happened five years ago when it actually meant something for the division.

Still, I'll watch it. Because sometimes the best fights are the ones between two guys who have everything to prove and nothing left to lose.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to become a boxer professional?

The time required to become a boxer professional can be very different. It depends on the individual's starting skill level, adaptability to the sport, and the quality of training received. It can take a number of years to develop the necessary skills and gain enough amateur experience. Some exceptional talent may advance faster, while others might need more development time.

What is required for a professional boxer to begin?

For anyone starting in professional boxing, the essential equipment includes boxing gloves, hand wraps, a mouthguard, headgear (for sparring), and proper footwear. Technical workouts require a heavy bag or speed bag as well as a double-end, double-end, or other training aids. It is essential to use equipment that provides protection and durability. Otherwise, you may increase your risk of injury.

What role do managers, promoters and agents play in a pro boxer’s career?

Promoters and managers are crucial to a professional boxer's career. Managers manage the career of boxers, negotiate contracts, and take care of their business affairs. They are also responsible for selecting the appropriate fights and protecting the boxer's interest. The promoters focus more on organizing events, marketing fights and attracting sponsors and audience attention. This increases a boxer’s public profile and earnings potential.

How does a boxer progress from amateur level to professional level?

A significant change in competition, intensity of training, and mental preparedness is required to make the transition from amateurs to professionals. An amateur must demonstrate a high level of performance by taking part in local or national competitions. The key is to get a professional boxing certificate and work with managers and trainers that can guide you in your career and help secure professional bouts.

Are there age restrictions for learning to box professionally?

Professional boxing has age restrictions. Most boxing organizations require boxers to be 18 years old or older before they can fight professionally. At the upper end of the spectrum, there is no age limit per se, but physical ability and health will limit an individual's ability to compete safely. It is important that older athletes are thoroughly evaluated for risk and fitness before they take up a professional sport.

How important does physical conditioning play in professional Boxing?

Professional boxing demands a high level physical conditioning. The sport demands high levels of strength, speed, endurance, and agility. Professional boxers must engage in a tailored fitness program that includes aerobic and anaerobic exercises, strength and resistance training, and flexibility workouts. Without superior physical conditioning, a boxer's ability to train effectively and perform in the ring is significantly compromised.

What does it take to start training for professional boxing?

For anyone to start training in professional boxing they must have a commitment to fitness, discipline and an open mind. Initial training includes learning the fundamentals of boxing, including footwork, stance and defensive tactics. Joining a boxing gym that has experienced trainers with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved in professional competition is essential. Novice boxers typically undergo a rigorous regimen of conditioning, technique drills, and sparring to develop their skills before considering competition.

Statistics

A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.

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How To

How to increase endurance in boxing

To maintain energy through a fight, it is vital to develop endurance. Exercises like swimming, cycling or running will improve your cardiovascular health. Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your workouts for explosive power and endurance. Interval training on the heavy bag, where high-intensity punching is alternated with periods of rest, can also simulate the demands of a boxing round. Increase the duration and intensity of your sessions to gradually increase your endurance.

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https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/furys-back-again-the-retirement-that-lasted-about-five-minutes