Anthony Joshua: Nigerian boxer out till May 2025

Anthony Joshua will not fight again until at least May of next year, according to British promoter Eddie Hearn.

The latest development rules out a rematch with IBF world heavyweight boxing champion Daniel Dubois.

Dubois dropped Joshua four times before the two-time heavyweight champion was knocked out in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium in September.

The Watford-born boxer was scheduled to face Dubois again on February 22 after the loss, but Hearn stated that the planned date was too soon for Joshua.

In a report, Hearn disclosed the severity of the 35-year-old's injury.

Speaking to Boxing News, he said, “We had a very awkward call.

“He wanted to fight on February 22 and basically was told that there is no way you can start camp and be 100 per cent for February 22 physically.

“There’s nothing major. There are two or three issues that he had a little bit in camp and after the fight.

“And they said you need to come back in May-June, and he didn’t want to do it.

“He wanted to fight on February 22, but unfortunately we kind of had to overrule him on this and say no because we can’t afford not to get this right.

“If you get beaten again by Daniel Dubois, you have to seriously consider your future.

“We got one last chapter in this career that we need to make sure we get a 100 per cent spot on.

“So when he comes back in May or June or whenever that’s going to be, you have to be physically mentally 100 per cent ready.

“For a turnaround after a five- or six-week break after a defeat like that, it’s just not possible to be a hundred per cent.

“There’s no tear in the bicep, just wear-and-tear that means he cannot go into a training camp with the same intensity that he would want to.”

A bout between Joshua and Tyson Fury, who has long been associated with a superfight with the boxer from Watford, is also being contemplated for his return

After losing to the Ukrainian in May, Fury will first take on unified champion Oleksandr Usyk on December 21.