Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith has revealed that Anthony Joshua could make his long-awaited return to the ring before the end of 2025.
Anthony Joshua, who hasn’t fought since suffering a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, is currently recovering from an elbow surgery he underwent in May.
Despite his absence from the ring, the 34-year-old remains a central figure in boxing headlines, particularly with fans still hoping for a long-rumoured clash with Tyson Fury.
However, Fury recently stated he won’t fight again until 2026, targeting a trilogy bout with Oleksandr Usyk.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Smith confirmed Joshua is likely to return before year’s end, but ruled out Jake Paul as his next opponent.
“I think there is a chance for Anthony Joshua this year,” Smith said.
Smith’s comments come in the wake of Jake Paul’s callout of Joshua following his win over Julio César Chávez Jr on DAZN in June. Paul, who has transitioned from YouTuber to professional boxer, claimed the pair exchanged private messages and even discussed fighting in 2026.
“He said he’ll do two more fights, and I’ll do two more fights, and then we’ll do it. He said he’ll kill me, and I’ll have to fight for my life,” Paul told iFL TV.
Despite Paul’s enthusiasm, Smith clarified that no formal talks have taken place between Matchroom and Paul’s team.
