Former unified heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua could be set for a sensational return to the ring before the end of 2025 and possibly against one of boxing’s most talked-about names, Jake Paul.
Joshua has been out of action since his fifth-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 at Wembley, a loss that derailed his hopes of reclaiming heavyweight supremacy.
Following elbow surgery during the summer, the Briton has been gradually preparing for a comeback.
Promoter Eddie Hearn recently hinted that Joshua will feature in one of Matchroom Boxing’s upcoming events scheduled for November 15, December 13, or December 27, confirming simply, “Yes,” when asked if Joshua would return this year.
“Just Let Me Know When” – Anthony Joshua Challenges Jake Paul
In recent weeks, speculation has intensified linking Joshua with a potential fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who continues to blur the lines between entertainment and elite-level boxing.
28-year-old Paul has made headlines with wins over Mike Tyson and Julio César Chávez Jr., and was due to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis in a controversial exhibition on November 14.
However, that bout has now been cancelled after Davis became involved in a civil lawsuit for domestic allegations, forcing Paul to seek a new opponent for his planned December return.
Among those reportedly approached was Joshua and according to Hearn, the heavyweight star didn’t hesitate.
“Just let me know where and when,” Joshua told his promoter when asked about stepping in to fight Paul.
Based on recent updates and despite the enthusiasm, the fight faces multiple hurdles. Contractual ties to different broadcast networks make the matchup unlikely for now, though Paul’s camp has continued to push for talks.
Paul Confirms Negotiations: “100 Per Cent It Can Happen”
In an interview with Sky Sports, Jake Paul confirmed that discussions between both camps are ongoing and that the matchup is being considered for 2026.
“100 per cent it can happen. Our teams are already talking and in the works to try and make it happen for next year,” Paul said.
The American entertainer, who has transitioned from influencer to professional boxer with surprising success, admitted that fighting Joshua would be a monumental challenge but one he welcomes.
“It would be fun to take on Anthony Joshua after this fight [against Gervonta Davis],” Paul added.
“Take a massive risk and a massive challenge and go into a fight where no one thinks that I would even have the slightest chance of winning that excites me.”
Eddie Hearn Cautious but Intrigued
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has not ruled out the possibility but warned that Paul must first get past his scheduled fights before entertaining a clash with a former heavyweight champion.
“I can’t make that fight until you’ve fought Gervonta Davis in this exhibition,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“If you get chinned by Gervonta Davis, don’t think you’re fighting Anthony Joshua, it’s ridiculous. We’d rather they didn’t take that fight if we’re going to make the [AJ] fight.”
The Matchroom boss emphasized that Joshua’s comeback plans remain independent of any talks involving Paul.
“We’re certainly not holding out for a Jake Paul fight. We’re making our own plans, and that will be January or February 2026.”
If Joshua and Paul do eventually share the ring, it would mark one of the most unprecedented matchups in modern boxing, pitting an Olympic gold medallist and two-time heavyweight champion against a social media star with fewer than 15 professional bouts.
