Joshua Negotiates Opponents for Last-Minute Fight
Anthony Joshua is in active discussions with potential opponents as he seeks a last-minute fight before the year concludes. This comes after 14 months of inactivity following his fifth-round defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Despite this setback, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, indicates that a tune-up fight is being organized.
Anthony Joshua’s Fight Preparations
Hearn announced the plans during the grand arrivals of the Chris Eubank Jr vs. Conor Benn II event. He emphasized the importance of getting Joshua back into the ring without heavy media obligations, stating, “It’s just to do with getting back into the groove of fighting.” The objective is to allow Joshua to re-acclimate to the sport without the pressures typically associated with high-profile fights.
Potential Opponents
Various opponents are under consideration, including the YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Hearn acknowledged that while discussions about fighting Paul have taken place, no formal offer has been made yet. He expressed that a fight with Paul could be a favorable option, depending on the circumstances.
- Joshua has been inactive since September 2024.
- His last fight resulted in a fifth-round stoppage loss.
- Hearn is exploring low-key opponents for Joshua’s return.
- A fight against Jake Paul is being considered, but no offer exists.
Hearn has set a deadline for making a decision on Joshua’s next match, stating that a determination will be made this week. The focus remains on securing a fight that allows Joshua to regain his rhythm without stepping up against elite opponents immediately. Should Joshua return to the ring in 2025, this bout will likely not be against high-profile rivals unless it involves Paul.
Future Considerations
Joshua’s recent defeat ended a streak of four consecutive victories following two losses to Oleksandr Usyk. With rumors of Tyson Fury’s return in 2026, a showdown with Joshua remains a possibility, keeping fans hopeful for future matchups in the heavyweight division.
