ANTHONY JOSHUA is being lined up for a short-notice comeback fight in Ghana – and could return on the UNDERCARD.
AJ is yet to box since his September 2024 knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois – having also undergone elbow surgery in the summer.
Joshua looked set to return in early 2026 until promoter Eddie Hearn teased the idea of a late comeback bout before the year finishes.
Hearn has since announced a December 20 bill in Accra – headlined by Craig Richards and Dan Azeez.
And the event in Ghana has emerged as a frontrunner to host AJ’s anticipated comeback fight.
Although Hearn revealed Joshua is unlikely to headline his next fight.
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He told Boxing Social: “There will be no big-name fight this year.
“It wouldn’t be a headline, it wouldn’t be a pay-per-view, you don’t have to moan about it, it can just be part of something that’s already existed and on sale – so there would be no one moaning.
“It’s just part of the development of getting into position of being 100 per cent ready for the big gamble.
“If he fights this year, he won’t headline. We want to work almost in silence and improve and get into the mode of being 100 per cent ready.
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“This is about development and a bit of activity. It’s not about the money, it’s if we’re working on things.”
Hearn still hopes Tyson Fury, 37, will come out of retirement to finally fight Joshua, 36, next year.
Meanwhile Ghana have now lifted their temporary ban on boxing – after two deaths linked with the sport inside six months.
Ghana’s National Sports Authority initially said the decision was a “necessary step to protect lives, uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure its future”.
But the NSA have now confirmed that pro boxing will be free to restart – paving the way for Matchroom’s inaugural event in Africa.
A statement read: “The Authority looks forward to a vibrant return of professional boxing and also encourages local as well as foreign promoters – investors to bring international bouts and collaborations to Ghana under these enhanced standards.”
