British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua is officially scheduled to make his long-awaited return to the ring in Saudi Arabia this February, according to a major announcement from the kingdom's boxing chief.
End of the Inactivity Streak
The confirmation from Turki Alalshikh ends 14 months of speculation and inactivity for the former two-time world champion. Joshua has not fought since his stoppage loss to British compatriot Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024.
This news also puts to rest recent rumours of a potential December bout against YouTube sensation Jake Paul. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn had previously stated that this week was critical for arranging a fight before the end of 2025, a prospect that now appears to be off the table.
A Hint at a London Blockbuster
Alalshikh made the revelation during an interview with DAZN, ahead of the Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. While confirming Joshua's February date in Saudi Arabia, he offered an even more tantalising piece of news for British fight fans.
He announced that "one of the greatest fights in the history of boxing" would take place in London, potentially in September of next year. This statement is widely interpreted as the clearest indication yet that the long-anticipated all-British showdown between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury is finally being lined up.
"We will have Joshua in our country in February," Alalshikh told DAZN. "Next year, we have two big events here in London, which will be a surprise. There is the big fight, one of the greatest fights in the history of boxing, in London, maybe in September. We will have a surprise for the fans."
