Joshua Set for Elbow Surgery as Fury Comeback Teases Heat Up

By Lewis Barnett 15 May, 2025 6 mins read 51 Views

You know what's maddening? Waiting for a mega-fight that never happens. I've been following the Joshua-Fury saga since 2018 and at this point, I'm starting to think I'll be in a retirement home before these two actually square off.

Anyways, big news dropped this week.

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The Knife and the Comeback Trail

Anthony Joshua is finally going under teh knife THIS WEEK to fix that troublesome elbow that's been secretly plaguing him since the Dubois disaster. At 35, the clock's ticking louder for AJ, who hasn't stepped in a ring since Daniel Dubois knocked him into next week back in September.

Eddie Hearn (looking as slick as ever in his tailored suits) revealed to The Sun what's been happening behind closed doors: "He just goes back into camp and just can't fire on all cylinders consistently. So he can go back, have a couple of sessions, bit of soreness in the elbow."

The procedure? Just a "small keyhole surgery" with a 4-6 week recovery window. Nothing major, apparently.

God. Remember when Joshua seemed indestructible?

Is Fury Actually Coming Back? (For Real This Time)

Meanwhile, that unpredictable, maddening, brilliant Tyson Fury has been doing what he does best - confusing the hell out of everyone. After announcing his FOURTH retirement in January (eye roll), he's suddenly popping up on Instagram looking suspiciously fit and ready to rumble.

Hearn's clearly monitoring Fury's social media like a teenager stalking their crush. "Tyson Fury is a big tease, everyday I open up Instagram like today and he's got his wraps on saying he's done 12 rounds," Hearn told us. "He looks super fit, Tyson Fury, he looks like he's ready to go now!"

My boxing insider friend texted me yesterday: "Fury's retirement lasted about as long as my New Year's resolution." Accurate.

The Saudi Money Machine Changes Everything

Let's be honest about what's really changed the game here. Turki Alalshikh and his bottomless Saudi checkbook have managed to do what seemed impossible - get Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren to play nice together. Those two sharing DAZN now is like seeing your divorced parents suddenly getting along at Christmas dinner. Uncomfortable but necessary.

Hearn admitted they've discussed the Joshua-Fury possibility "socially" - which I'm guessing means over £300 bottles of champagne somewhere in Mayfair.

The Wait Is Killing Us

The timeline? Murky as ever. Hearn's watching the Dubois-Usyk rematch on July 19 at Wembley before making any firm commitments. But he was crystal clear about one thing: "There's no way AJ's not fighting this year."

With or without Fury.

I spent £250 on tickets to see Joshua's last fight and watched him crumble. Part of me wonders if he'll ever recapture that magic that made him Britain's golden boy. The elbow might heal in 4-6 weeks, but rebuilding that confidence? That's the real surgery needed.

The Million Dollar Question Nobody Can Answer

Will these two British heavyweights ever actually meet in the ring? The boxing world has been teased more times than a high school prom date. Hearn summed it up perfectly: "I'd be lying if I said we weren't desperate to see him return. But, at the same time we can't just wait around and see what happens."

Translation: We're all getting impatient.

I've covered boxing for 11 years now, and this Joshua-Fury dance is becoming the sport's longest-running soap opera. My editor bet me $50 last year they'd never fight. Looking like he might collect.

Let's see what happens after AJ's surgery... and whether Fury can resist the siren call of another massive payday.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is mental toughness to professional boxing?

In professional boxing, mental toughness is just as important as physical fitness. Resilience, focus, pressure-handling ability, and psychological fortitude are all required in the sport. Mental training involves visualizing, learning stress management skills, and developing the right mindset to take on the challenges inside the ring. Without mental toughness a boxer will struggle to perform under the high pressure conditions of professional competition.

What is the best equipment for a beginner in professional boxing to start with?

The essential boxing equipment for someone who is just getting started in professional fighting includes gloves, wraps, a headgear and footwear. The use of a heavy, speed, or double-end bag is essential for technical workouts. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.

What should one look for when hiring a boxing or training coach?

A boxing coach should have experience in the sport, be able to work with other boxers successfully, have a compatible coaching style, as well as a solid understanding of its technical and strategic components. A good trainer will also emphasize safety, conditioning, and personal growth. To reach your boxing potential, you need a coach who is able to motivate and communicate well.

How long does it typically take to become a professional boxer?

The time taken to become an elite boxer is variable. The length of time to become a professional can be affected by the person's initial skill level, his or her ability to adapt and their training. It can take a number of years to develop the necessary skills and gain enough amateur experience. However, some exceptional talents might advance more quickly, while others may need more time to develop.

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. There is no upper limit to the age that a person can safely compete, but there are factors such as physical abilities and health. The fitness of older athletes and the risks involved in taking up professional sports must be carefully assessed before they begin.

What role do managers and promoters have in the professional career of a boxer?

Promoters and managers play an important role in a boxer’s professional career. Managers manage the career of boxers, negotiate contracts, and take care of their business affairs. They also provide support in selecting the right fights and looking after the boxer's interests. Promoters are more focused on marketing, event organization and attracting sponsorship attention. They also focus on enhancing a boxer’s profile.

What does it take to start training for professional boxing?

For someone to train professionally in boxing, they need to be disciplined, physically fit and willing to learn. In the beginning, you will need to master basic fundamentals such as stance, footwork and punches. Joining a boxing gym that has experienced trainers with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved in professional competition is essential. Before they compete, novice boxers usually undergo a regimen of intense conditioning, drills and sparring.

Statistics

Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.

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How To

How to Find the Best Boxing Gym for Professional Training

Selecting the right boxing studio is essential to making a smooth transition between amateur and professional. The gym of choice should be staffed by experienced trainers with knowledge of the professional boxing world. It should also have an arena for sparring and offer a wide range of training gear. It's important to evaluate the culture and environment in the gym. They should be motivational and focused on improvements. Look at the gym's record in producing professional boxers. Also, see if you can get a personalized training plan tailored to meet your goals.