Anthony Joshua is on track to return in a comeback fight in early 2026 before a “roll of the dice” blockbuster next summer.

After Joshua’s loss to Daniel Dubois last September, a lingering elbow injury would not heal and eventually required an operation. That has kept the 35-year-old out of action but he has now resumed training.

His next fight back will most likely be in January or the start of February. He would not return to an immediate contest with a top-level heavyweight but will target a tune-up bout against world top-15 calibre opponent before pursuing the biggest names in the division.

The ultimate target, though, remains Tyson Fury, a great all-British showdown that has so far eluded Joshua.

“Right now all that’s in my mind in an ideal scenario is to fight Tyson Fury next year. That’s the big focus,” Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter told Sky Sports.

“From a common-sense perspective the fight has to happen in 2026 but common sense and Fury’s decisions don’t always gel together. He’s got to want to come back.

“It’s a personal decision.”