Anthony Joshua will make his return to boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed, following months of uncertainty about the former heavyweight champion's future in the sport.
The 36-year-old's career was thrown into doubt after a devastating road accident in Nigeria last December, which claimed the lives of two people close to him.
Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami, both described as close friends of the Watford-born fighter, died in the collision that occurred during Joshua's visit to his ancestral homeland.
Joshua himself has said very little about his fighting prospects since the tragedy.
Despite his public silence, the two-time unified heavyweight champion has been putting in work overseas, joining former rival Oleksandr Usyk at a training facility in Ukraine.
Hearn travelled to Kyiv recently to witness the pair preparing together.
The Matchroom Boxing chief shared his observations on social media platform X, posting an image alongside his fighter.
Hearn wrote: "Incredible few days in camp with Anthony Joshua and the Usyk team."
Anthony Joshua will make his return to boxing, promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed
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The promoter added: "Never seen AJ work so hard or as focused.
"The road is long but make no mistake the return will be one of the most inspirational and powerful stories in sporting history. Couldn't be prouder of him."
The sessions alongside Usyk have served as a gradual return to training for Joshua, who sustained minor injuries in the December crash.
This preparatory work is designed to ease him back into fighting shape before he begins a more rigorous training camp.
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| INSTAGRAM/kickboxing_boxing_coach_dubaiA provisional date of July has been set for the return of Joshua's ring, though Hearn declined to confirm specific details.
The former champion, who lost twice to Usyk in their previous encounters, appears determined to write the next chapter of his career following the personal tragedy that has marked recent months.
Boxing fans can look forward to an exceptional year of action in the ring.
Tyson Fury is set to step back into competition this April, facing Arslanbek Makhmudov in his highly anticipated return bout.
Eddie Hearn declined to confirm specific details
| GettyMeanwhile, undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will venture into crossover territory when he meets kickboxing king Rico Verhoeven.
Derek Chisora could bring down the curtain on his remarkable career with what may be his 50th and final contest, squaring off against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder in a heavyweight showdown.
The domestic scene also promises significant breakthroughs from a talented crop of homegrown fighters.
Moses Itauma, Hamzah Sheeraz, and Adam Azim are all primed to reach the sport's elite level.
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