Anthony Joshua ‘talks to opponents’, deadline set for last-minute fight

Anthony Joshua “talks to opponents” but time is running out to organize a final fight in 2025.

Joshua has been out of the ring for almost 14 months since he was stunned with a fifth-round stoppage by fellow British heavyweight Daniel Dubois last September.

It halted Joshua’s momentum under coach Ben Davison and his charge towards another world title, but Hearn revealed during Chris Eubank Jr’s big finishes against Conor Benn II that a tune-up fight was planned and could even take place before the end of the year.

“We already have opponents that we’ve talked to about a no-win fight,” promoter Hearn said.

“But the goal is not to have to come and do [media obligations] and no need to just relax, turn up on Wednesday or Thursday, weigh in, wrap your hands up and go fight.

“And it obviously has nothing to do with finances. It’s just a matter of getting back into the rhythm of fighting.

“Because every time he fights, [Joshua] must go to a stadium and fight in front of 60,000 people in a fierce fight. It’s almost like going out and giving myself one to come back in.”

Hearn set a deadline: “We will make a decision this week on Anthony’s next fight.”

A fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul was remarkably touted.

Paul previously told ESPN: “People tell me to fight someone my size. OK, how about fighting someone who’s bigger than me? His size makes him a tougher challenge than me.” [Terence] Crawford. This is the most dangerous fight for me right now.”

Although Hearn is receptive to the idea of ​​considering a fight against Paul, no offers are on the table.

“No, we had some discussions,” he confirmed.

“If we had to make a run-out, a run-out against Jake Paul would be pretty nice.

“I’m not sure [Paul] is this crazy. That may be the case, but nothing major to report at this point. But I know they will decide for themselves what they are going to do. Hearn insisted that if Joshua did step into the ring for a low-key tune-up in 2025, it would not be against a top opponent.

“If he fights this year, you probably won’t even hear about it unless it’s Jake Paul,” he said.

Joshua’s loss to Dubois ended a four-fight winning streak following back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk.

With former rival Tyson Fury set to resume his boxing career in 2026, a highly anticipated fight with Joshua is still a possibility for the duo.