Anthony Joshua Eyes July Return After Oman Retreat, Personal Tragedy

Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, is reportedly targeting a return to the ring in July, following a period of mourning and a recent holiday in Oman. The Nigerian-born pugilist, known as ‘AJ’, has been recuperating after a tragic accident on December 29th in Ogun State, which claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed the July comeback, although he ruled out an immediate clash with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury. Hearn told

The Sportsman: “He won’t be fighting Tyson Fury next. We’ve really not had any solid plans to announce what’s next.”

Hearn elaborated on Joshua’s current state: “The focus for Anthony Joshua is to get back into training camp. He’s not ready to go back into training camp, physically but it’s getting closer. I think there’s nothing more that he wants at the moment than to return to training camp. It’s where he loves to be. Really, I think July is the time to return.” He added that “multiple options around the world” are being explored for the fight, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.

The news follows Joshua’s recent trip to Oman, where he was spotted taking a helicopter ride, seemingly continuing his healing process. He recently had the names of his two deceased friends tattooed on his shoulder. Footage shared by Joshua showed him looking out from a helicopter, posing with two fingers in the air, with another chopper visible in the desert landscape.

Intriguingly,

The Sun reported that Joshua has also made a significant investment in Oman, purchasing a lavish £1.2 million penthouse in the new Park Lane 101 development within Sultan Haitham City. The “Sky Palace,” a sprawling 15,300 square foot property, boasts 360-degree panoramic views and a private boxing gym tailored for the British fighter. This investment will see ‘AJ’ become a resident and investor in phase two of the Yenaier Residences development.

With an estimated net worth of £195 million, Joshua is recognised as an astute businessman. He commented on his latest venture: “Discipline, community, and long-term thinking have shaped everything I do in and out of the ring. Yenaier represented those same principles.”