Is a blockbuster coming soon? Anthony Joshua negotiates a series of two blockbuster matches at Riyadh Season!

Anthony Joshua, the two-time former unified heavyweight champion, is gearing up for a major comeback. After undergoing elbow surgery earlier this year following a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, Joshua is reportedly finalizing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, backed by Saudi Arabia’s influential sports authority under Turki Alalshikh.

This development not only signals Joshua’s return to the ring, expected in late 2025, but also sets the stage for blockbuster matchups that could reshape the heavyweight division. According to Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn, discussions are actively underway, and Joshua is locked in on fighting before the year ends.

“We are actually discussing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season,” Hearn told BoxingScene. “We want to box sometime this year in October, November, December.”

Let’s dive into what this means for Joshua’s career, the possible opponents in the mix, and the implications for the heavyweight boxing landscape.

Joshua’s Road to Recovery After Dubois Knockout

Joshua’s last appearance in the ring ended in shocking fashion. In September 2024, he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in a stunning upset that derailed plans for a trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk and a long-anticipated bout with Tyson Fury. The loss was made worse when it was revealed that Joshua had been dealing with an elbow injury heading into the fight—an injury that later required surgery.

Since then, Joshua has been focused on rehabilitation and recovery, with hopes of returning stronger. The Riyadh Season deal would not only provide him with elite training resources and a global platform but also an opportunity for redemption.

What Is Riyadh Season and Why Does It Matter?

Riyadh Season is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to transform itself into a global hub for sports and entertainment. Under Turki Alalshikh, it has brought major events to the kingdom, including Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou, Usyk vs Dubois, and Canelo Alvarez’s latest fights.

Securing a two-fight deal with Anthony Joshua would further solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as the epicenter of heavyweight boxing. The potential payday and exposure from such an agreement make it a win-win for both Joshua and Riyadh Season.

Potential Opponents: What Comes Next?

With the deal nearly in place, speculation turns to who Joshua might face. Several names are being discussed, each offering its own storyline and intrigue.

1. Daniel Dubois – The Rematch Everyone Wants

The most logical and dramatic option is a rematch with Daniel Dubois. Their first meeting ended in controversy and surprise, and a second clash would carry immense stakes. Dubois is currently scheduled to fight Oleksandr Usyk in a rematch for the undisputed heavyweight title on July 19, and the outcome of that bout will heavily influence Joshua’s next steps.

If Dubois wins, a trilogy fight between him and Joshua becomes inevitable. If Usyk wins, then Dubois may slide back in the rankings—though a Joshua rematch could still sell big based on the drama of their first encounter.

2. Oleksandr Usyk – A Third Chapter?

Usyk has already beaten Joshua twice, both times by unanimous decision. While fans may feel there’s nothing left to prove, the right offer and setting—especially under Riyadh Season—could lure Usyk into granting a third bout.

If Usyk beats Dubois again, the Ukrainian may be tempted by the huge financial incentives and global spotlight of facing Joshua in Saudi Arabia one more time. Whether he sees the point, however, is uncertain.

3. Tyson Fury – The British Megafight That Never Happened

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua has been in talks for nearly a decade. At multiple points, it seemed destined to happen, but failed negotiations, mandatory challengers, and title politics got in the way.

Now, with Fury claiming to be “retired” after his loss to Usyk in May, the dream bout is again in limbo. However, many insiders believe Fury is far from done and that a Fury vs Joshua super-fight could finally materialize under the Riyadh Season banner if the price is right.

“It’s the biggest fight in British boxing history,” Hearn has repeatedly stated. “If we can get it done, it would be monumental.”

4. Dillian Whyte – A Domestic Rivalry Renewed

If the heavyweight title scene doesn’t align for Joshua, Hearn has indicated that Dillian Whyte is one of the fallback options. Joshua and Whyte fought once before in 2015, with Joshua stopping Whyte in the 7th round.

Whyte has since had his own up-and-down career, but remains a popular figure in UK boxing. A rematch, particularly in Saudi Arabia with high production value and global interest, could serve as a tune-up or steppingstone for Joshua.

5. Jared Anderson – A Rising American Star

Jared Anderson, the undefeated American heavyweight prospect, has also been named as a possible opponent. Anderson has been touted as the future of the division, with slick movement, power, and charisma.

A matchup with Joshua would be risky for both men: Joshua could fall to another hungry challenger, while Anderson would be taking a massive leap in competition. But with Alalshikh’s backing, this could be one of the most intriguing cross-continental showdowns in years.

Is Joshua Still a Threat in the Heavyweight Division?

Anthony Joshua remains one of the most recognizable names in boxing, but his stock has taken a hit in recent years. After suffering three losses—two to Usyk and one to Dubois—critics have questioned his mentality, adaptability, and stamina.

However, Joshua’s dedication to improvement and his access to elite training camps in Saudi Arabia could rejuvenate his career. He’s still relatively young at 34, in excellent physical shape, and brings box office appeal few in boxing can match.

If he can secure two strong wins under the Riyadh Season deal, it would position him perfectly for another crack at the undisputed title.

What Could This Mean for the Heavyweight Division?

The heavyweight division is in flux. Usyk, Fury, Dubois, Zhilei Zhang, Joe Joyce, Deontay Wilder, and Jared Anderson are all in the mix. If Joshua can win two fights in late 2025, it opens doors to another golden era of heavyweight boxing.

With Riyadh Season acting as the de facto promoter of the sport’s biggest bouts, and with Joshua, Fury, and Usyk all in play, fans may finally see the best fight the best—something boxing has often failed to deliver consistently.

Final Thoughts: The Comeback Begins

Anthony Joshua’s comeback story is still being written. With elbow surgery behind him and negotiations underway for a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, the British superstar is poised to return in style. Whether it’s a rematch with Daniel Dubois, a long-awaited clash with Tyson Fury, or a high-risk bout against Jared Anderson, one thing is certain: Joshua is still a major player.

The eyes of the boxing world will be watching October through December 2025, when one of the sport’s biggest names steps back into the ring—possibly for the final act of a legendary career, or the beginning of an unforgettable resurgence.