Anthony Joshua is in discussions regarding a potential return to the ring before the end of the year, promoter Eddie Hearn revealed, but a decision on whether a fight will be scheduled is imminent.
Joshua hasn’t fought since a fifth-round stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, ending a four-fight winning streak following consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Hearn, speaking at the grand arrivals for Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn II, stated that conversations are underway with potential opponents for a “run out” fight designed to get Joshua back into competitive action.
“We’ve already got opponents that we’ve been talking to about a run out fight,” Hearn said.
“But the whole point is to not have to come adn do [media obligations] and not have to just chill out, turn up on Wednesday or Thursday, weigh in, wrap your hands and go and fight.
“And it’s got nothing to do with, obviously, the financials. It’s just to do with getting back into the groove of fighting.
“Because every time he fights, [Joshua] has to go to a stadium and fight in front of 60,000 people in a tough fight. It’s almost like just go out and just give me one to get back.”
Hearn indicated a decision will be made this week regarding Joshua’s next move.
A fight against Jake Paul has been discussed, with Paul previously telling ESPN: “People are telling me to fight someone my own size. OK, how about I fight somebody who is bigger then me? His size makes him a tougher challenge than [Terence] Crawford. that’s the most hazardous fight for me right now.”
Hearn confirmed discussions with Paul’s team but stated no formal offer is currently on the table.
“No,we’ve had some discussions,” he said.
“If we were to have a run out, a run out against Jake Paul would be quite pleasant.
“I’m not sure [Paul] is that mad.He might be, but nothing major to report at this stage. But I know they’re going to make a decision themselves about what they’re going to do.” Hearn insisted that if Joshua does step into the ring for a low-key tune-up in 2025,it won’t be against a high-profile opponent.
“If he fights this year,you probably won’t even hear about it unless it’s Jake Paul,” he said.
Looking ahead, a potential future bout between Joshua and Tyson Fury remains a possibility, with Fury expected to return to boxing in 2026.
