Anthony Joshua is edging closer to a return to the ring, with talks underway for a two-fight deal that could begin later this year in Saudi Arabia.

The 35-year-old former heavyweight champion has been out of action in 2024 following elbow surgery, which was successfully operated upon in May.

Despite his absence from the ring, Joshua has been actively planning his comeback behind the scenes.

Earlier this month, Joshua revealed in an interview with ESPN Mexico that he was targeting a December return, dependent on his recovery. Now, momentum is building around a potential deal with Saudi Arabia?s Riyadh Season to stage his comeback.

Reports from NoSmoke Sport initially suggested a three-fight deal was on the table, but Joshua?s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has refuted that claim, clarifying that current discussions involve a two-fight plan.

?That?s not true,? Hearn told Boxing Scene.

?We are actually discussing a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season. Turki Alalshikh said that on the night of Canelo?s fight on May 3, when we had our meeting. And that?s the plan really. We want to box sometime this year, October, November, December.?

Joshua has not fought since suffering a fifth-round knockout defeat to fellow Briton Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.

That result has reshaped the heavyweight picture, with Dubois now set to face champion Oleksandr Usyk in another Wembley blockbuster.

Hearn confirmed that Joshua?s camp is keeping a watchful eye on the outcome of Dubois versus Usyk, as well as the uncertain future of Tyson Fury.

?We?ll see what happens with Dubois-Usyk, we?ll see what happens with Fury,? Hearn said.

?And if we don?t fight those guys, we?ll fight someone else, and then maybe follow one of those guys next year.?

Amid speculation of a high-profile rematch or grudge match, the prospect of Tyson Fury?s return to the sport had circulated. But the former WBC champion shut down such rumours in a video message, firmly stating his retirement stance.

?I hear a lot of talk about the Gypsy King returning to boxing and I ask this question: for what? What would I return for?? Fury said.

?I?m in no rush at all to come back to boxing and get my face punched in. I am retired and I am staying retired. I have nothing to prove to anybody and nothing to return for.?

While clashes with the likes of Usyk or Fury remain uncertain, other potential opponents for Joshua have been named, including American heavyweight Jared Anderson and long-time British rival Dillian Whyte.

?Two guys that have been discussed, but nothing concrete,? Hearn confirmed.

Anderson recently returned to winning ways with a unanimous decision over Marios Kollias in February, after suffering a knockout defeat to Martin Bakole in Los Angeles. (The PUNCH)

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