LONDON: Boxing fans could soon witness one of the most unexpected comebacks in modern boxing history — as Andre Ward, the former world champion and Hall of Famer, is reportedly serious about facing Anthony Joshua in a blockbuster bout.
According to Ward’s long-time trainer and mentor Virgil Hunter, the retired American legend has been back in the gym training and remains in peak condition, signaling genuine intent to return to the ring.
Speaking to iFL TV, Hunter revealed:
“He was serious about that. No disrespect to AJ. It’s just styles — styles make fights — and I have to go along with what he believes.”
“You’ve got to see the shape he stays in, man. He’s in tip-top condition, lives clean, and he’s been in the gym sparring. It would be a very dangerous fight, but I’ve got faith in my kid,” he added.
Joshua Plotting His Own Comeback
Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua — the two-time unified heavyweight champion — is also preparing for his comeback after suffering a shock defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.
The 36-year-old from Watford has not fought since that loss, which also saw him drop out of The Ring magazine’s top-10 heavyweight rankings. His return was initially planned for summer 2025, but an elbow injury forced a delay.
Before the Dubois defeat, Joshua had been in fine form, scoring knockout victories over Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius, and Francis Ngannou. Now, he hopes to rebuild his momentum and reclaim a place among the heavyweight elite.
Could Ward vs. Joshua Happen?
Ward, who retired undefeated in 2017 as a two-division unified champion (super-middleweight and light-heavyweight), remains one of boxing’s most technically gifted fighters. A potential matchup with Joshua would be a historic cross-era clash, pitting Joshua’s power against Ward’s ring IQ and defensive mastery.
If confirmed, the bout would mark Ward’s first professional fight in eight years — and one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent memory.
