Barry Hearn reveals fresh retirement timeline for Anthony Joshua
British boxer Anthony Joshua could remain in the game for longer than previously expected after Matchroom founder Barry Hearne suggested that the former two-time heavyweight champion still has several years left in the sport.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearne, indicated last year that 2026 would likely mark the end of the boxer’s career. However, developments over the past year appear to have altered the outlook.
Following his knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in December, Joshua had been scheduled to return to the ring in February against kickboxing star Nico Verhoeven. Those plans were disrupted after Joshua was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and left him with minor injuries.
After recovering and taking time away from the sport, Joshua agreed to pursue a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury, provided both heavyweights win their respective tune-up fights. The blockbuster all-British clash had been widely viewed as a fitting final for Joshua’s career.
Barry Hearn, however, believes retirement is not imminent. The Matchroom founder insisted that Joshua still has plenty to offer and expects the former world champion to continue boxing beyond the previously suggested timeline, extending his career to at least a few more years.
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He said; “As I say, some of that has been fuelled by that tragic accident, but he’s now talking about the next three years in the ring.
“It was a year ago we were talking about potentially two fights and then go off to a happy retirement.
“He’s very motivated, he feels good about himself, but boxing is a funny sport.
“It takes one decent punch from a big lad to knock out anyone in the world.”
Hearn’s comments indicate that the 36-year-old may not be ready to hang up his gloves after all and I’d he continues boxing for another three years, that would take his retirement age up to 39 years old.
