Joshua Breaks Silence: ‘I Can’t Punch Properly,’ Set For Surgery

Anthony Joshua’s comeback plans have hit a setback, with the former two-time heavyweight world champion confirming he will undergo elbow surgery later this month.

Joshua, 35, has been out of action since suffering a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September.

According to the UK Sun, since then, he has struggled with an injury that has left him “unable to punch properly,” forcing him to pause full-scale training.

Speaking to DAZN, Joshua said: “I’m trying to get my body right. I’ve got to actually have a little surgery on my elbow—sometime in May. Once I’m healed, I’ll be back.”

The operation is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks, dashing hopes of a June or July return previously targeted by his promoter, Eddie Hearn.

Although fans continue to buzz over a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, Joshua is firmly focused on recovery.

“If I want to be here for the long term, I just want to make sure my body is really, really good before I get back into the ring,” he added.

“In boxing, being good isn’t enough. To be world champion, you have to be great. I was good in my last fight—but not great.”

Despite recent setbacks, Joshua has not ruled out a future clash with Fury, telling the Daily Mail:
“We’ll save that conversation for another time. Same question, same answer—nothing’s changed.”