Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, 35, was the subject of speculation about his health following his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois on September 21, 2024, at Wembley Stadium with credible reports confirming that Joshua is scheduled for elbow surgery.
The British-Nigerian boxer is focusing on recovery and planning after the surgery with a return to the ring in 2025, with discussions underway for a potential rematch with Dubois or a bout against other top contenders like Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk. Joshua’s team has dismissed claims of serious injury, emphasizing his commitment to reclaiming a world title.
Joshua’s defeat to Dubois, his third career loss, came in the fifth round of their IBF heavyweight title fight, marking a setback after his resurgence with four consecutive wins following losses to Usyk in 2021 and 2022. Post-fight, Joshua reported minor soreness but no significant injuries, and medical evaluations cleared him of any need for surgical intervention.
His training regimen has resumed in London, focusing on strength conditioning and sparring to address vulnerabilities exposed in the Dubois fight, particularly his defensive stance. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has outlined a two-fight plan for 2025, targeting a spring bout and a potential title shot by year-end.
The elbow surgery rumour may have stemmed from Joshua’s visible discomfort during the Dubois fight, where he took heavy punches, but no official diagnosis supports this claim. Joshua, a two-time former champion with a 28-4 record, remains a major draw in boxing, with his next moves closely watched. He has expressed determination to overcome the loss, drawing on his experience as an Olympic gold medalist and his resilience after previous defeats. Fans and analysts await confirmation of his next opponent, with Joshua vowing to deliver a performance that restores his standing in the heavyweight division.