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Anthony Joshua Promoter Eddie Hearn Finally Comments on Jake Paul Fight

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Jake Paul Anthony Joshua

Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn, who is the career-long promoter of Anthony Joshua, has commented on the mounting speculation that the former two-time heavyweight boxing champion will square-off with Jake Paul for a bout tentatively planned for December on Netflix.

The American, a former influencer who has emerged as an improbable face for the sport, if not crossover boxing at least, was scheduled to take part in an exhibition alongside Gervonta Davis on the 14th of November. However, the event at the Kaseya Center in Miami was nixed at the eleventh hour due to Tank’s apparent legal issues. With the cancellation so close to the event itself, Most Valuable Promotions chose to cancel the entire thing rather than bring in a late replacement. After getting rebuffed in their efforts to lure Francis Ngannou back to the ring, the focus now, it seems, is Joshua.

And, speaking to Boxing News, Hearn has had his say on whether the fight will go down as planned.

Eddie Hearn and Anthony Joshua

READ: Negotiation Details: Why Anthony Joshua Could Replace Davis in Fight with Jake Paul

Joshua and Paul were linked with one another earlier in the year, but the 28-year-old chose to close a deal with Davis, despite eight inches in height and more than 75 pounds in weight between them. Now, AJ appears to be firmly back in the mix.

Speaking to Boxing News, Hearn confirmed “we’ve spoken to Nakisa” Bidarian, who is Paul’s business partner and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions.

“For us, it’s a fight we’d be interested in. If AJ is going to come back for a tune-up, or a warm-up, why not do it against Jake Paul for a load of money?”

Jake Paul

Hearn continued: “Jake Paul would have to be mad to take this fight, but he is a little bid mad. I can’t rule it out. I can’t tell you, ‘It’s close’, or, ‘It’s on the verge’.”

“But there have been discussions and we’ll see what happens.”

Hearn’s plan and Paul’s desperation for a marquee December vision seemingly align with the way in which Matchroom wants to bring Joshua back. There were even rumors AJ could fight in a co-main spot, rather than a headline bout, against a lesser fighter just to get rounds in the bank as he’s not competed for more than 13 months back.

A fight against Paul would easily be winnable for Joshua, setting him up with a significant payday before he heads back to the negotiation table for the only bout that makes sense for him at this stage of his career — an all-British battle against fellow former champion Tyson Fury, despite the latter’s claims that he’s retired.

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BOXING

Negotiation Details: Why Anthony Joshua Could Replace Davis in Fight with Jake Paul

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Anthony Joshua on Possible Fight with Jake Paul

Jake Paul says a fight against Anthony Joshua fight is looking likely for next year, and admits he wants the 'challenge'. Pictures courtesy of MVP.

Anthony Joshua, a 36-year-old boxer, discussed the possibility of a surprising match with Jake Paul.

The potential fight could take place on short notice, as Joshua has landed on the list of contenders after Netflix canceled his bout with Gervonta Davis, scheduled for November 14.

Eddie Hearn discusses the possibility of Anthony Joshua fighting Jake Paul despite Tyson Fury being the first choice opponent.

JUST IN: Oleksandr Usyk Shocks Former Heavyweight World Champion By Telling Him ‘We Will Fight’

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that the former two-Time heavyweight champion has already been in contact with Paul, opening up possibilities for new meetings in the ring.

“We talked about it, and maybe it could happen,” Hearn said.

Joshua continues to look for new chances to return to the ring after recent difficulties in his career.

Considering the new opportunities emerging in the boxing arena as well as changes in fight schedules, this situation could significantly impact Joshua’s career.

Watching the developments, boxing fans are waiting to see if this fight will actually take place and what consequences it will have for both boxers.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua has major roadblock cleared for blockbuster fight

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua has major roadblock cleared for blockbuster fight as ban lifted

Ghana’s National Sports Authority has lifted its nationwide professional boxing ban, in a boost to Anthony Joshua.

The NSA suspended the sport after the deaths of two pugilists in the space of six months.

In March, Nigeria’s Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju collapsed mid-way through his bout with Jon Mbanugu at Bukom Boxing Arena in the Ghanaian capital of Accra before later dying in hospital at the age of 40.

READ: Boxing Update: Anthony Joshua Now In Discussions For Mega Figh

Then, in September, 27-year-old hometown fighter Ernest Akushey passed away after a stoppage loss to Jacob Dickson in the same venue.

The NSA didn’t make the decision lightly and did so in order to come up with a new set of reforms to improve the safety of the national sport.

After much deliberation, the NSA confirmed on Thursday that all boxing activities are now permitted to resume following ‘significant progress in addressing the key issues that led to its suspension.’

The statement also read that: “The Authority looks forward to a vibrant return of professional boxing and also encourages local as well as foreign promoters – investors to bring international bouts and collaborations to Ghana under these enhanced standards.”

What does this mean for Anthony Joshua?

Amidst the ban, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing announced its first show in West Africa on December 20, headlined by a light heavyweight clash between Craig Richards and Dan Azeez.

The British compatriots are set to meet at the Legom Sports Stadium in Accra, Ghana, in an event that Hearn has described as a crucial ‘precursor’ for a potential AJ fight in the same city in February.

Joshua hasn’t set foot in the ring since his crushing knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

He was initially expected to fight again in the second quarter of 2025, but surgery on a lingering elbow injury delayed his return.

Hearn recently declared that Joshua could launch a comeback at the back end of this year on the undercard of one of Matchroom’s remaining shows.

At the time of writing, there are eight separate events that Matchroom is either promoting or co-promoting before the end of 2025.

The biggest of these is the Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn rematch on November 15 in London, which seems extremely unlikely due to the tight timeframe.

Jesse Rodriguez is also set to square off against Fernando Martinez in a super flyweight unification on the RING IV bill on November 22, while Ben Whittaker tops a homecoming card on November 29.

Other events include Jai Opetaia vs Huseyin Cinkara and Shabaz Masoud vs Peter McGrail on December 6, Diego Pacheco vs Kevin Sadjo on December 13, Giorgio Visoli vs Joe Haworth on December 17, and Richards vs Azeez on December 20.

The final major show of the year is Ring V on December 27, headlined by Naoya Inoue vs Alan Picasso.

However, Matchroom is not listed as a promoter, even though it is advertised on their website.

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BOXING

Anthony Joshua Calls Out Next Opponent: “Tell Me Where

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua Calls Out Next Opponent: “Tell Me Where and When — I’m Ready Before Year’s End!”

The heavyweight division continues to await the return of Anthony Joshua and there is one fighter whom ‘AJ’ seems happy to face before the end of the year.

Joshua’s most recent outing came in an unsuccessful challenge for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world title last September at Wembley Stadium, where he was stopped after five brutal rounds against his fellow Briton.

Since then, Dubois has lost that belt to Oleksandr Usyk, whilst AJ has been sidelined through injury and underwent elbow surgery before returning to training in September.

Now, there are reports that Joshua could attempt to shake off 15 months’ worth of ring rust on an undercard before 2025 comes to a close, with the Pacheco-Sadjo (Dec. 13) and Inoue-Picasso (Dec. 27) shows being touted for his potential return.

READ MORE : Wilder issues a bold callout, wants a blockbuster clash with

Yet, speaking with iFL TV, Eddie Hearn, promoter of Joshua, revealed that AJ is willing to replace Gervonta Davis and fight Jake Paul next month.

Deontay Wilder 

“There would have to be a lot of things that fall into place, but it is possible [that Joshua fights Jake Paul next].

“Yes, I have spoken to Nakisa Bidarian [Paul’s advisor], we have talked over it and around it. I know the situation.

“Yes, [I have spoken to Joshua about it]. [He said], ‘just let me know where and when’.”

Paul is expected to fight in December, with Andre Ward and Nate Diaz also being considered as possible late-notice opponents after the clash with Davis was cancelled due to ‘Tank’ being involved in a civil lawsuit regarding domestic allegations.

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BOXING

Wilder issues a bold callout, wants a blockbuster clash with

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Deontay Wilder 

Wilder issues a bold callout, wants a blockbuster clash with Anthony Joshua before both legends walk away from the sport forever.

Anthony Joshua: The year was 2018, and both Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder stood tall as undefeated kings of the heavyweight division. Between them, they held every major title — setting the stage for what was meant to be a colossal showdown for the undisputed championship.

But fate had other plans. In December 2018, Wilder battled Tyson Fury to a dramatic draw, with the expectation that he’d next meet Joshua in a unification bout. Just a few months later, in March 2019, streaming giant DAZN offered Wilder a massive $100 million, three-fight deal, including two clashes with Joshua. Wilder turned it down, claiming the deal lacked transparency.

While negotiations fell apart, Joshua pressed forward — only to suffer a stunning upset loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. that June. Since that defeat, Joshua has struggled for consistency, going 6-4 over the past six years. Wilder, meanwhile, went on to face Fury twice more — losing both by knockout — and has since managed just one win in his last five bouts.

READ MORE : Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua is running out of time to cement

Now, with Wilder turning 40 on October 22 and Joshua hitting 36 a week earlier, both veterans are looking to revive a rivalry that once promised to crown an undisputed champion.

Anthony Joshua

Wilder (43-4-1, 42 KOs) is set to return to action this Friday, taking on Tyrrell Herndon (24-5, 15 KOs) at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. The fight will headline a Global Combat Collective pay-per-view, distributed by BLK Prime, Fubo, and PPV.com for $24.95.

Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is recovering from elbow surgery and plans to return later this year for his first bout since being stopped in five rounds by Daniel Dubois last September — a fight that left his comeback hopes hanging in the balance.

“If the fight with Joshua happens, and everything lines up, why not?” Wilder told The Ring. “We’ll handle it when the time comes. He’s still in the game, and so am I. I’m here for the big fights — not chasing anyone, just making the matchups fans want to see.”

RELATED NEWS : Boxing Update: Anthony Joshua Now In Discussions For Mega Figh

Still, Wilder made it clear he won’t beg for the bout.

“I’m not going to be out there holding signs for a fight,” he said. “I never chased anyone. If they didn’t want to fight me, so be it. I’ve always gone after the biggest fights possible.”

The two heavyweights were supposed to meet last year, but Wilder’s upset loss to Joseph Parker derailed those plans, while Joshua scored a commanding stoppage over Otto Wallin in December 2023 in Saudi Arabia.

Anthony Joshua

Wilder’s attempt to bounce back against Zhilei Zhang in June ended even worse — a brutal fifth-round knockout defeat that left his future in doubt.

It feels like a lifetime since Wilder terrorized the heavyweight division as a lean, explosive knockout artist. His reign as WBC world champion began in 2015 with victory over Bermane Stiverne, followed by 10 successful title defenses — until Tyson Fury ended his dominance.

Now, after overcoming personal battles and mental health struggles, Wilder is determined to mount one final run — targeting the opponents who once eluded him, including Oleksandr Usyk.

“I still want the biggest fights out there,” Wilder said. “I don’t care who it is. I’m not living in the past — those guys didn’t want to fight me because they feared losing. I just wanted to be undisputed, but many avoided me. That’s fine. I’m still here, still dangerous, and this time, I’m coming back stronger than ever.”

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Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua is running out of time to cement

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Anthony Joshua

Eddie Hearn: Anthony Joshua is running out of time to cement his legacy – will he dare to face Deontay Wilder next, or is destiny saving him for a final, explosive showdown with Tyson Fury?

Promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Anthony Joshua is likely to hang up his gloves in 2026, leaving the former world heavyweight champion with just three or four fights left to define his legacy. Hearn hopes those final bouts will finally pit Joshua against his long-time rivals — Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

According to Hearn, Joshua’s countdown has officially begun. With retirement looming, the British star is now in a race against time to secure the defining fights that have so far eluded him. Despite years of buildup, clashes with Wilder and Fury never materialized — bouts that could have decided the undisputed heavyweight crown.

Now, the stakes are different. All three — Joshua, Wilder, and Fury — have suffered recent defeats. Fury stepped away from boxing after his second loss to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk, while Joshua is still rebuilding following a devastating knockout by Daniel Dubois last year.

Having undergone successful elbow surgery, Joshua is eyeing a comeback bout before the end of 2025.

“Deontay Wilder fights next week. I know his name’s been mentioned,” Hearn told Sky Sports.
“There’s a real possibility AJ could fight Wilder in October, November, or December — and then face Tyson Fury. That would complete his run against every elite heavyweight of this generation.”

READ MORE : “I’m Not Backing Down” – Anthony Joshua Breaks Silence on

Anthony Joshua

Hearn insists Joshua’s next fight will be crucial. “AJ must win, and that performance will tell us everything about his future,” he said.

Despite Fury’s retirement, Hearn remains optimistic about a long-awaited British blockbuster.

“If we don’t make the Fury fight, it would be a big shame,” he admitted.
“There’s no excuse now — the fans deserve it. Seeing them finally face off would be an iconic moment for British boxing and sport as a whole.”

Hearn confirmed Joshua’s comeback is targeted for late 2025, with hopes of setting up a Fury clash in 2026 — possibly the last fight of his storied career.

“2026 could be his final year in boxing,” Hearn said. “That’s only three or four fights away. He’s still motivated, physically strong, and ready for one last run. Hopefully, that run ends with Tyson Fury.”

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“I’m Not Backing Down” – Anthony Joshua Breaks Silence on

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Anthony Joshua

“I’m Not Backing Down” – Anthony Joshua Breaks Silence on Replacing Gervonta Davis in Jake Paul Showdown, Stirring Fresh Rumors.

Anthony Joshua is one of the names being considered if ‘Tank’ were to be sidelined following allegations from his ex-girlfriend

his week it was revealed that Gervonta Davis has been accused of several crimes by an ex-girlfriend, including assault and kidnapping. And all this, just two weeks before his exhibition fight against Jake Paul, which is now at risk of being canceled. Paul’s promoter, Most

Value Promotions, which is organizing the event, has already said it will analyze the situation and then decide its next steps.

Let’s remember that Paul and Davis are scheduled to face each other on November 14 in Miami, on a card that will be broadcast by Netflix and consists of interesting real fights such as Alycia Baumgardner against Leila Beaudoin or Gary Russell against Andy Hiraoka. We will also see another boxing outing by MMA legend Anderson Silva. However, it would be important that the fight that is supposed to sell tickets and bring viewers to the screen goes ahead or at least have a good alternative.

READ MORE : Boxing Update: Anthony Joshua Now In Discussions For Mega Figh

Among the boxers who could replace Davis right now are Ryan Garcia, Edgar Berlanga and Anthony Joshua, with the latter being the most pedigreed of the three. AJ already held talks this year for a showdown against ‘El Gallo’ Paul and that possible fight was put on hold, but not ruled out.

Anthony Joshua

In an interview with IFL TV, promoter Eddie Hearn was asked if Joshua was an option for that fight and what AJ had said to him about it. According to Hearn, the former unified heavyweight champion’s response was: “Just tell me where”. Despite his fighter’s willingness, the Matchroom Boxing boss explained: “A lot of things have to align for this to progress”. He confirmed that so far it was only conversations and a formal contract or offer was presented. There had previously been talk of Joshua vs. Paul as a professional fight and an exhibition between them does not seem to make much sense. What Hearn did hint at is that his fighter will be on a card before the end of the year, and the Miami one is not very likely unless a juicy offer is put on the table.

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Boxing Update: Anthony Joshua Now In Discussions For Mega Figh

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua Now In Discussions For Mega Fight

Anthony Joshua could well be involved in a mega fight in 2026, having not fought at all for more than 12 months.

The former two-time unified heavyweight ruler last laced up the gloves in September 2024 when he came unstuck against then IBF champion Daniel Dubois.

Anthony Joshua

READ: Anthony Joshua suffered gruesome in-ring injury before scoring his

Joshua was caught early and stopped inside five rounds to end a decent run that had seen him knock out Otto Wallin, Francis Ngannou and Robert Helenius.

Since then, Joshua has been side-lined after minor surgery and recovering from an elbow injury, but is now looking to return to the ring.

Speaking to iFL TV, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn revealed the huge showdown with Tyson Fury is still on the cards in the middle of next year after an initial warm up.

“I think February is the date we’re moving towards now. In Saudi, in Ghana, or in London. I’ll be honest with you, it depends what happens with the Tyson Fury fight because we know that His Excellency is discussing that fight with us.

“Now we have no knowledge how he’s getting on with Tyson Fury. And this is how he works, he’ll do our deal then try and do a deal with Tyson Fury or vice versa. So for us, we haven’t done our deal yet to fight Tyson Fury but we are discussing it … we’re in.”

This is the all-British heavyweight clash that fans have been clamouring for over a number of years. Though arguably both past their best, it is still the best fight that can be made for both men.

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Anthony Joshua suffered gruesome in-ring injury before scoring his

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua suffered gruesome in-ring injury before scoring his most bizarre knockout

Fresh from his crowning moment in boxing, Anthony Joshua was forced into some bizarre in-ring adversity against a short-notice foe.

Still yet to secure an opponent for his return to action at the turn of the year, Anthony Joshua is on a quest for a historic third world championship reign in the ring.

Anthony Joshua on stage at a press conference to announce his fight with Daniel Dubois

READ: “Of Course It Interests Him”: Anthony Joshua Offered One Of The

And gunning for a summer blockbuster with British rival Tyson Fury in a bid to finally settle their score, the Olympian is seemingly on track for an outing in Africa first and foremost.

However, off the back of his first taste of world title spoils, the Watford man was tasked with overcoming one of boxing’s more ghastly injuries.

Anthony Joshua’s in-fight incident with Carlos Takam

Turning in a heroic performance to topple Ukrainian icon Wladimir Klitschko, Joshua had nabbed the WBA and IBO heavyweight crowns, adding to his IBF championship.

And initially set to take on Kubrat Pulev, whom he later knocked out, Joshua was joined in the ring by Carlos Takam on short notice on this day in 2017.

Headlining in Cardiff as part of a two-fight residency ahead of a pairing with recent feature Joseph Parker, Joshua emerged with an eventual win, but not without some controversy.

Dealing with a gruesome nose injury after a clash of heads with Takam, Joshua needed 10 rounds to break down the challenger.

And in the most controversial of circumstances, Takam, who was gushing from his face after Joshua opened a sizable cut, was pulled from the contest by official Phil Edwards.

Post-fight, Joshua also noted his displeasure with the bizarre finish, stating, “I come to fight. I don’t sit on the edge and make decisions. It was a good fight until the ref stopped it, so I have the utmost respect for Takam. People want to see Takam unconscious on the floor, and that’s what I was trying to get to.”

Anthony Joshua’s failed Deontay Wilder clash

As well as missing out on a pairing with Pulev until three years later, initial plans would see Joshua compete against the Bulgarian before a mega fight with former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Failing to share the ring with the Tuscaloosa knockout artist so far, Joshua was pegged on multiple occasions to fight Wilder during the former’s reign as WBC pacesetter.

A year after his win over Takam, too, Joshua was lined up for a blockbuster pair of fights against Wilder again, as well as an overdue bout against the above-mentioned Fury.

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“Of Course It Interests Him”: Anthony Joshua Offered One Of The

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Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua Offered One Of The Only Fights He Wants

Anthony Joshua has been out of the boxing ring for more than a year but is keen to get back in early 2026.

His last fight came in September 2024 against Daniel Dubois, the then IBF world champion who had been on a great recent run and stopped Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic.

Dubois continued that form at Wembley Stadium. From the opening bell, he unleashed a barrage of powerful punches that sent AJ crashing to the canvas early on, and he never seemed to fully recover.

Boxing: Daniel Dubois stops Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium - BBC Sport

READ: “What Else Is Left For You?”: Canelo Offered Mega Fight Lifeline Fo

Joshua, chasing a third heavyweight crown, looked uncharacteristically off-balance and heavy-footed as Dubois’s precision and aggression ruled the night.

Come the fifth round, ‘DDD’ landed more heavy blows and sent Joshua to the canvas one final time as the former unified ruler was counted out by the referee.

After that, Dubois went into an undisputed heavyweight showdown with Oleksandr Usyk. It was the second time they had fought and just like the first time, he was stopped inside the distance but many think he has what it takes to become a champion again.

Dubois has not fought since that contest back in August but now, with a new coach Tony Sims in his corner, he is ready to return.

Speaking to iFL TV, he was asked if a Joshua rematch interests him.

“Of course it does. Of course it does.”

Joshua’s manager, Eddie Hearn, has spoken before of Joshua’s desire to avenge his loss to Dubois, so this could be a fight to be made, though WBC interim belt holder Agit Kabayel has also shown an interest in taking on Dubois sometime soon.

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