In a major announcement that clarifies the future of one of Britain's most celebrated boxers, Saudi Arabian boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh has confirmed that Anthony Joshua will make his long-awaited return to the ring.
Joshua's Comeback Location and Date Revealed
The former two-time world heavyweight champion has been out of action for 14 months since his stoppage loss to British compatriot Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September last year. Speculation had been rife about a potential December bout, with rumours even suggesting a fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. However, those prospects have now been firmly dismissed.
Alalshikh made the revelation during an interview with DAZN, held ahead of the Conor Benn versus Chris Eubank Jr rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He explicitly stated, "We will have Joshua in our country in February," putting an end to the weeks of uncertainty surrounding the fighter's next move.
A Blockbuster London Fight on the Horizon
Perhaps the most tantalising part of Alalshikh's announcement was the tease of a historic fight scheduled for London next year. He revealed that there would be two major events in the UK capital, with one being a surprise.
Most significantly, he insisted that "one of the greatest fights in the history of boxing" would take place in London, potentially in September. While not explicitly named, this is a strong nod towards the eagerly anticipated showdown between Anthony Joshua and his long-term rival Tyson Fury, a fight British fans have demanded for years.
This sets the stage for a huge 2025 for Joshua, starting with a February bout in Saudi Arabia to shake off the ring rust, building towards a potential legacy-defining super-fight in London next autumn.
