Anthony Joshua Faces Former Champion Mahmoud Charr: A Resurrection Battle or Another Disaster?

Anthony Joshua is on the comeback trail, and the buzz surrounding his return just got louder after a tense face-off with former world champion Mahmoud Charr. As Eddie Hearn confirms talks for a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, the heavyweight division is once again bracing for the thunderous return of one of its biggest global superstars.

After recovering from an elbow injury and suffering a brutal knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September, Joshua’s path back to the top could begin later this year—with Charr emerging as a potential first opponent. The staredown in Dubai between the two former champions has ignited interest in a bout that may not determine the next heavyweight king, but could certainly set the stage for blockbuster showdowns in 2026.

Joshua and Charr Face Off in Dubai: “There’s Only One Giant in Syria”

During a recent vacation stop in Dubai, Anthony Joshua encountered Mahmoud Charr in what quickly escalated into a fiery face-to-face showdown. The 40-year-old Lebanon-born German, once known as Manuel Charr, stared down the former unified heavyweight champion and declared, “There’s only one giant in Syria.”

The tense confrontation, while not officially tied to a fight announcement, hints at the promotional gears already turning. For Charr, it was a statement of intent. For Joshua, it was a reminder that the world is still watching—and the pressure is on.

Mahmoud Charr: A Survivor’s Story

Mahmoud Charr’s journey to a possible clash with Anthony Joshua is nothing short of miraculous. In 2015, Charr narrowly survived a drive-by shooting at a kebab shop in Essen, Germany. The incident, sparked by a social media feud, left him requiring multiple hip surgeries and a long, uncertain road to recovery.

Despite doctors’ warnings, Charr returned to the ring just nine months later, proving not only his toughness but also his sheer will to fight. By 2017, he had undergone a double hip replacement, yet still fought on. His story of perseverance makes him an emotionally compelling opponent for Joshua, whose own comeback hinges on both physical recovery and psychological redemption.

Eddie Hearn Confirms Two-Fight Plan with Riyadh Season

In a revealing interview with BoxingScene, Eddie Hearn laid out the framework of Joshua’s comeback plan. Talks with Turki Alalshikh, the powerbroker behind Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season, are reportedly centered on a two-fight deal that would see Joshua back in action in October, November, or December.

“We are actually discussing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season,” Hearn said. “That’s the plan really. We want to box sometime this year.”

While opponents are yet to be finalized, the Dubai staredown with Charr strongly hints that the veteran could be the first test in Joshua’s re-entry to elite competition.

Joshua’s Comeback from Injury and Defeat

The last time fans saw Anthony Joshua, he was on the receiving end of a thunderous stoppage at the hands of Daniel Dubois. That defeat not only dented his record but also sent shockwaves through the heavyweight ranks, with many questioning whether Joshua’s best days were behind him.

Adding to the setback, Joshua required elbow surgery, which sidelined him for the first half of 2025. According to reports, the procedure was completed in May, and Joshua is now back in training and on track for a late 2025 return.

The Dubois vs Usyk Rematch: Joshua Watches Closely

While Joshua prepares for his own return, the heavyweight landscape is shifting rapidly. The upcoming Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois rematch, scheduled for July 19 at Wembley, is a bout with major implications for Joshua’s next move.

“We’ll see what happens with Dubois-Usyk. We’ll see what happens with Fury,” Hearn stated. “If we don’t fight those guys, maybe we’ll fight one of them next year.”

Joshua, who lost twice to Usyk, has always maintained his desire for a trilogy fight. But should Dubois defeat Usyk, a rematch with Triple D becomes not only a redemption arc—it could also be a mandatory or title-level clash in early 2026.

Could Joshua vs Charr Be the First Step in a Bigger Plan?

Though it may not have the same fireworks as a clash with Usyk, Dubois, or Tyson Fury, a bout between Anthony Joshua and Mahmoud Charr offers strategic advantages.

• Low-risk, high-visibility: Charr, while experienced, is not seen as a top-5 threat. For a fighter coming off injury, Joshua needs a winnable but legitimate test.

• Narrative potential: Charr’s underdog comeback story gives the fight media appeal.

• Saudis love spectacle: With Charr’s dramatic backstory and Joshua’s star power, the promotional machine can sell this bout effectively under the Riyadh Season banner.

A convincing win over Charr would allow Joshua to shake off ring rust, reclaim some confidence, and reignite the anticipation for showdowns with the elite.

The Fury Factor: Still a Possibility?

While Tyson Fury announced a surprise retirement in January following two defeats to Usyk, boxing fans and promoters remain skeptical. Retirement in boxing is often a pause, not a period.

If Joshua wins in his return, and the right financial package is presented, it’s hard to imagine Fury refusing the fight that the UK—and the world—has long demanded.

“We’ll see what happens with Fury,” Hearn said. “I still believe AJ vs Fury is the biggest fight in boxing.”

Indeed, a 2026 mega-clash between Joshua and Fury could shatter box office and pay-per-view records—especially if titles are on the line.

Joshua’s Mental Game: Rebuilding More Than Just a Resume

It’s not just the physical injury or the loss to Dubois that Joshua must recover from—it’s the mental toll of years under pressure. Since becoming a global sensation after winning Olympic gold and unifying heavyweight titles, AJ has carried expectations heavier than any opponent’s punch.

A controlled return—starting with a fight like Charr, followed by a top-10 contender or former champion—might be the perfect formula to get Joshua back to his best.

If he can recapture the explosive confidence of his early career, the Anthony Joshua of 2026 might be even more dangerous than the man who once dominated the division.

What Happens Next in the Heavyweight Division?

As Usyk vs Dubois 2 looms, the WBC, WBO, IBF, and WBA titles could soon be scattered depending on sanctioning body mandates and rematch clauses. That means fighters like Joshua, Joseph Parker, Filip Hrgović, and Jared Anderson are all potentially within one or two wins of a title shot.

In such a volatile landscape, timing and momentum are everything—and Joshua is aiming to catch both before the division resets in 2026.

Final Thoughts: Can Anthony Joshua Rise Again?

The face-off with Mahmoud Charr, the two-fight Riyadh deal, and the upcoming Usyk-Dubois rematch all point to one undeniable truth—Anthony Joshua is not done.

While many have written him off, the British heavyweight icon still commands global attention, and his comeback arc may yet lead to the fights and glory that eluded him in recent years.

“We want to fight this year,” Hearn reiterated. “And then we’ll see where the division goes.”

If Joshua beats Charr, stays healthy, and regains form, 2026 could be the year of his resurgence—whether it’s redemption against Dubois, revenge against Usyk, or finally facing Tyson Fury.

One thing is certain: the world will be watching.