ANTHONY JOSHUA is to have surgery on his elbow THIS WEEK – as talks to finally fight “big tease” Tyson Fury move a step closer.
Joshua, 35, is yet to return since his September knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, 27, with a secret injury delaying his comeback.
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AJ has since revealed the setback was caused by a problem with his elbow – which promoter Eddie Hearn reveals is due to be fixed this week.
Hearn told SunSport: “He just goes back into camp and just can’t fire on all cylinders consistently.
“So he can go back, have a couple of sessions, bit of soreness in the elbow.
“They tried to let it rest and recover and they’ve told him that I think it’s this week, he has a small keyhole surgery in the arm.
“Clear out, and it’s four-six weeks, he’s good to go. So I think we’re looking post-September.”
Following Joshua’s loss and Fury’s double defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, 38, last year, it set up the beaten Brits to finally settle their overdue score.
That was until Fury announced a shock retirement – the fourth of his career – in January only one month after Usyk won their rematch.
But the unpredictable Gypsy King has since ended his social media silence to begin hinting at a comeback – leaving Hearn hopeful.
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The promoter said: “Tyson Fury is a big tease, everyday I open up Instagram like today and he’s got his wraps on saying he’s done 12 rounds.
“He looks super fit, Tyson Fury, he looks like he’s ready to go now! Which is encouraging, but obviously probably the delay that AJ’s got is a blessing, to be honest with you.
“One, you’ve got Usyk against Dubois coming up so that gives you a little bit of time.
“And number two, you’ve got Tyson Fury who could potentially come back to the ring so it’s gonna be interesting to see what plays out.”
Turki Alalshikh’s introduction to boxing and his deep Saudi pockets have helped bridge the gap between Hearn and long-time rival Frank Warren.
The previously warring promoters even share the sports streaming platform DAZN now – paving the way for talks between AJ and Fury.
Hearn admitted: “I’d be lying if I said we haven’t discussed it socially, because obviously everyone’s desperate to make it happen.
“But, no one said, ‘Oh, I think it’s coming, I think he’s coming back.’ But at the same time, he’s training.
Tyson Fury is a big tease, every day I open up Instagram like today and he’s got his wraps on saying he’s done 12 rounds. He looks super fit, Tyson Fury, he looks like he’s ready to go now! Which is encouraging
Eddie Hearn
“And I feel like with Tyson Fury over the years, you’ve seen him not training and balloon out of shape and then it takes him a long time to come back.
“Now it looks like he’s either ready to fight or he’s ready to begin camp, which is hugely encouraging. But I just don’t think he’ll be able to leave it alone, if I’m honest with you.
“Because, the money’s one thing, but just the occasion and the challenge, and he’s a competitor, he’s a winner. And I just can’t believe he’s gonna let it slide.”
While Fury is Joshua & Co’s main target, Hearn warned they will await the result of Dubois’ July 19 rematch with Usyk at Wembley.
Hearn is adamant AJ will fight before the year ends – with or without Fury.
He warned: “Next couple of months, if there’s no movement, we fight.
“I mean there’s no way AJ’s not fighting this year. So who that will be? I can’t tell you.
“I mean, that’s the million dollar question at all times, but I think more importantly is, do we get any news from Fury in the next four, six, eight weeks?
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“If we do, we’ll fight him this year. If not, we’ll fight and then maybe he comes back next year, who knows?
“But I’d be lying if I said we weren’t desperate to see him return. But, at the same time we can’t just wait around and see what happens.”
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