Anthony Joshua Targets Early-2026 Return — Could This Be the Final Run?

Anthony Joshua stares ahead in a black training shirt under dark lighting, beside the headline “Anthony Joshua Targets Early-2026 Return — Could This Be the Final Run?” representing his comeback story.

When the news broke that Anthony Joshua is targeting an early 2026 return, it didn’t exactly come as a surprise — but it did raise eyebrows. We all knew this comeback was being lined up; his camp had been dropping hints for months. But the real question is: what kind of return are we talking about here?

Is AJ coming back for one last serious run at world titles, or are we looking at a money-driven farewell tour filled with exhibition bouts and celebrity match-ups? Because if it’s the latter — if the goal is more about cash than competition — then maybe it’s time to call it a day.

The Context Behind the Comeback

Joshua’s 2026 plans follow a period of injuries, coaching changes, and time away from the ring that’s seen him re-evaluate everything — from his training setup to his motivation. His last few years have been a rollercoaster: moments of brilliance mixed with frustration and near misses.

Yes, he’s still one of Britain’s biggest boxing icons. Yes, he’s done a huge amount for the sport in the UK. But this comeback can’t just be about nostalgia. It has to mean something.

You can read our earlier breakdowns of what led to this stage here:

Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul – Is It Really Happening?

Anthony Joshua’s 2026 Return – What We Know So Far

The Jake Paul Question

Before anyone jumps in the comments — yes, I know Jake Paul is technically ranked. But not at heavyweight. And if AJ’s first fight back is against a YouTuber-turned-boxer, then sorry, that’s not a real comeback — that’s a circus act.

Joshua talks a lot about staying humble, about legacy, about doing it for the love of boxing. If that’s true, then he needs to prove it the old-fashioned way: by facing ranked heavyweight contenders, not crossover entertainers.

We’ve already seen how that story ends — remember when greats like Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao finally happened years too late? Or when Kell Brook fought Amir Khan, long after the hype had cooled? They sold, sure. But did they deliver? Not really.

The Fight Fans Want (and Don’t Want)

Am I the only one who doesn’t want to see Joshua vs Fury anymore?

Five years ago, it would’ve been a dream. Now? It feels like a cash-grab — a nostalgia fight rather than a meaningful one. Both men have done incredible things for British boxing, but that ship has sailed.

If Joshua wants to make one final statement, let it be against the new wave — the Wardleys, Dubois, Hrgovićs, or even Jared Andersons of the world. That’s how he earns back the aura that made him special.

Legacy or Last Pay-Day?

At this stage of his career, the Anthony Joshua 2026 return isn’t just about fighting — it’s about defining what kind of ending he wants.

Does he go out as a warrior chasing one last world title?

Or as a brand chasing one last payday?

Either way, the clock is ticking.

Final Thoughts

I’ll be honest — I’ve made no secret of being an Anthony Joshua fan. If he’s coming back for one more genuine run, I’ll be right behind him all the way. But if this is just about selling tickets and playing to the crowd, then maybe it’s time to step away while the respect is still intact.

Because for all he’s done for boxing — and for British sport as a whole — he deserves a finish that fits his legacy, not a gimmick that cheapens it.

Your Turn

Do you think Anthony Joshua’s 2026 return will be the start of a serious title push — or just a farewell tour in disguise?

Share your thoughts in the comments, and check out more opinion pieces and breaking news at CMBoxing.co.uk.

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