Anthony Joshua Retirement News: Boxer Hints at 2025 as Final Year in Emotional Tribute to Matchroom Boxing

As of January 1, 2026, Anthony Joshua has not officially announced his retirement from boxing. However, recent reports indicate he has dropped a strong hint that 2025 could be his last year in the sport. The 36-year-old British-Nigerian heavyweight champion, who recently survived a tragic car accident in Nigeria on December 29, 2025, shared a reflective message on social media in July 2025, paying tribute to his promoters at Matchroom Boxing. This came amid speculation following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and subsequent elbow surgery.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has countered full retirement talks, suggesting Joshua aims for key fights, including potential bouts against Tyson Fury, possibly extending his career to 2026. No definitive retirement statement has been issued, but the message has fueled discussions about his future.

Full Text of Anthony Joshua’s Statement (from July 28, 2025)

From the Mirror.co.uk article:

“Shout to Matchroom Boxing for all you have done for me and continue to do for me. Long may you reign supreme and keep giving fighters opportunities to become champions and make boxing great. 12 years ago, I signed with you and 12 years later I will throw my last punch with you. Royalty and loyalty is a perfect match for the great good. A toast to another 100 years of Matchroom Boxing And to finish on this… If I could start from scratch, I wouldn’t change s***.”

Context from the Article

The Mirror reported: “Anthony Joshua has hinted that 2025 could be his final year as a professional boxer. The British star has not fought since suffering an agonising knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium last September. Joshua, aged 35, has recently undergone a successful operation on his elbow and is set to return to the ring before the end of the year.

Joshua’s comments come just weeks after his promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed that Joshua is targeting two fights with Tyson Fury before calling it a day at the end of 2026. Hearn said: ‘It’s probably three fights away. For me, if I’m advising AJ, we’re back this year, we have two Tyson Fury fights, what else is there to do? Maybe fight a Daniel Dubois, but for me once AJ fights Tyson Fury, he’s kind of done it all. I’d love him to have another crack at Daniel Dubois and I’d love him to have another crack at Usyk but you just keep going on and on and on. Now, if we get to next year and he’s still firing on all cylinders then 2026 won’t be his last year. But for me, something feels right about coming back this year, beating Tyson Fury twice and then sailing off into the sunset.'”

Recent Developments

Following his car accident on December 29, 2025, which killed two friends and left Joshua with minor injuries, retirement rumors have intensified. However, sources close to Joshua indicate he plans to return to the ring in 2026, potentially for high-profile fights. No official retirement has been confirmed, and his team has focused on his recovery.

Anthony Joshua Announces RETIREMENT After Daniel Dubois Loss (Post Fight Interview)

Anthony Joshua in a reflective moment during a press conference, amid retirement speculation