Anthony Joshua's highly anticipated clash with Deontay Wilder may have fallen through, but promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed the potential timeline for Joshua's return to the ring. Hearn believes that Joshua will be back in action in March, with a spring comeback still on the cards despite the setback. Hearn also discussed the possibility of Joshua fighting three times in the next year, mirroring his schedule from 2023. While a showdown with mandatory IBF title challenger Filip Hrogovic is a possibility, Hearn admits there are still many unknowns surrounding the potential fight. Additionally, Hearn mentioned the potential for a crossover clash between Joshua and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.

Timeline for Joshua's return

After the collapse of the £100million two-fight deal with Deontay Wilder, Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua is aiming to make a comeback in March. The first of the back-to-back fights with Wilder was scheduled to take place on March 9 in Saudi Arabia. Although that fight is no longer happening, Joshua is still looking to get back in the ring this spring. Hearn hopes that Joshua can fight three times in the next year, similar to his schedule in 2023.

Potential opponents and unknowns

Although a showdown with mandatory IBF title challenger Filip Hrogovic seemed likely, Eddie Hearn admits that there are still many unknowns surrounding the potential fight. Hearn mentions the upcoming fights between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in mid-February, and questions whether they will be able to keep their belts. Hearn also raises the possibility of Joshua replacing Otto Wallin in the rankings. Despite the uncertainty, Hearn sees the Hrogovic fight as a possibility for March or even a potential summer showdown.

Possibility of a crossover clash with Francis Ngannou

Eddie Hearn reveals that he is open to the idea of Anthony Joshua facing former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Hearn describes the potential fight as "absolutely colossal" and believes it could be a major event for Joshua. While discussions are ongoing for three other fights, Hearn states that the priority is to fight the winner of the Fury-Usyk bout. However, a clash with Ngannou is definitely on the table.

Overall, Eddie Hearn has shed light on the potential timeline for Anthony Joshua's return to the ring following the collapse of his fight with Deontay Wilder. Despite the setback, Joshua is aiming for a spring comeback and is open to facing various opponents, including mandatory challenger Filip Hrogovic and former UFC champion Francis Ngannou. Fans will have to wait and see who Joshua ultimately faces in his next few fights, but one thing is for sure - Joshua's return will be a highly anticipated event in the boxing world.