Anthony Joshua fight date and venue become clear in new update

Anthony Joshua is pencilled in for an Accra return in February after Matchroom stages its first West Africa show on December 20. For bettors: Joshua may be the short-priced favourite against a top‑20 opponent, but his 2024 KO loss and recent layoff create value betting on the underdog or cautious props (round markets, decision outcomes) rather than backing a heavy favourite.

Anthony Joshua Set for Accra Comeback After Matchroom’s Ghana Showcase

Matchroom will stage its first show in West Africa on December 20, a card described as a precursor to Anthony Joshua returning to the ring in Accra in February. The December event is intended to assess the market and logistics ahead of a larger Joshua outing in Ghana early next year.

Return Timeline and Recovery

Joshua has not fought since suffering a brutal knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 at Wembley Stadium. He spent much of 2025 sidelined with injuries sustained in that fight and subsequently underwent elbow surgery. Now back in training, Joshua is targeting a return to action within the next few months.

Opposition Plans and Road to a Big Summer Fight

Joshua’s team insists he will face a top‑20 opponent on his comeback before pursuing a potential summer showdown with Tyson Fury. The plan is to rebuild momentum with a credible opponent in February and then escalate to marquee matchups if the return goes to plan.

Fury, Usyk and the Trilogy Debate

Tyson Fury has publicly expressed interest in facing Oleksandr Usyk for a third time, complicating the landscape for a Joshua–Fury clash. Promoters argue that the most commercially compelling fight remains Joshua vs Fury, but scheduling, recent form and previous results mean that negotiations and timing will be key next year.

Immediate Fight Calendar

London’s O2 Arena will host a heavyweight clash between Joseph Parker and Fabio Wardley on October 25. That event will provide further activity in the UK heavyweight scene as Joshua prepares for his scheduled return in Ghana.

Betting Implications

Punters should view Joshua as a likely favourite on paper but factor in his knockout loss, recent surgery and ring rust when assessing odds. Markets offering value include underdog bets, round‑by‑round props, and Joshua-to-win-by-decision lines rather than heavy-money backings on a dominant KO.

The former two-time heavyweight world champion has not fought since suffering a devastating knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last year, but his return fight could come within the next few months

Mirror