Following his comprehensive knockout loss to Daniel Duboisback in September of last year, Anthony Joshua is currently plotting his return to the ring, with one frontrunner being named that could split fans as the two-time world champion prepares to step through the ropes once again after a long period out of action.
In his previous bout, coming off a four-win streak after victories over the likes of Francis Ngannou, Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius, and Jermaine Franklin, Joshua suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of fellow Brit Dubois, being knocked out in the fifth round.
After Tyson Fury revealed that he has ‘zero’ interest in clashing with Anthony Joshua at the moment, the next frontrunner for the Olympic gold medal winner to take on has been revealed, in a move that could leave fans divided, with the British star set to take on a less-than-traditional opponent.
“Too old, look at my beard, all grey. Boxing is a young man’s game,” Fury revealed, speaking in an interview at Doncaster Racecourse recently, potentially slamming the door shut on a bout with Joshua after his loss to Oleksandr Usyk back in December.
However, following the potential end to the long-awaited fight between the two British stars, another boxer has been named as the frontrunner for Joshua’s next fight, one that could not be more different than The Gypsy King.
Eddie Hearn on Anthony Joshua’s Next Fight
Speaking to iFL TV, iconic promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that he has met with the promotional company for Joshua’s next opponent, in a move that could leave fans divided, as the boxer in question has been a divisive figure in the community over the last few years.
“The thing that I wanted to understand is, do they really want to fight AJ or is this just a publicity stunt. And I am 99% sure they want to fight Anthony Joshua. Right now, the absolute frontrunner for AJ is Jake Paul, February or March next year,” Hearn revealed.
Over the last few years, The Problem Child has tried to pursue a career in boxing, with fans questioning whether he truly belongs in the sport due to the quality of his opponents, taking part in questionable bouts, such as against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
However, despite taking part in multiple ‘exhibitions’ and matches, the YouTuber-turned-boxing star has stepped into the ring against some real opponents, holding his own in what was ultimately a defeat against the younger Fury brother in Tommy Fury.
In the recent interview, Hearn revealed that despite the potential dangers of Paul stepping between the ropes against one of the best boxers in the world, the commercial value far outweighs the risks, despite the fight not appearing to be ‘overly competitive.’
“I’ll stress, I think it’s a very dangerous call for Jake Paul. I don’t think the fight is overly competitive. Maybe Jake can do something and prove us all wrong. But people are gonna tune in to watch AJ demolish Jake Paul. It’s not a fight that we called for, it’s not a fight that we expected, it’s not a fight that I ever anticipated happening, but I also understand that it may be commercially one of the biggest in the sport.”
With Hearn, who is also Joshua’s promoter, revealing that the clock could be ticking on the British star’s career, predicting that 2026 may be his final year, a decision on his next opponent can be expected in the coming months, looking to potentially finish his career in a commercial blockbuster clash against Paul.
