Key Highlights:
- Anthony Joshua is in active talks for a surprise “tune-up” fight before the end of 2025, aiming to break a 14-month hiatus.
- Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed a final decision on the fight and opponent will be made this week.
- The goal is a low-pressure return to get Joshua back “in the groove” after his stunning loss to Daniel Dubois.
- A surprising bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has been part of the discussions.
Joshua’s Race Against Time for 2025 Comeback
Time is rapidly running out for Anthony Joshua to make a return to the ring in 2025, but promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that talks are underway for a last-gasp fight. A final decision is expected this week as Joshua looks to shake off nearly 14 months of ring rust following his shocking fifth-round stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois last September.
The defeat abruptly halted the momentum Joshua had been building with trainer Ben Davison. Now, the plan is to get the British heavyweight star active again without the immense pressure of a stadium-filling mega-fight.
The ‘Tune-Up’ Strategy
Speaking at the grand arrivals for Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn II, Hearn revealed the strategy behind the potential bout.
“We’ve already got opponents that we’ve been talking to about a run out fight,” Hearn stated. “The whole point is to not have to come and 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.”
Hearn emphasized that the fight is not about the money but about re-acclimatizing Joshua to the sport. “It’s just to do with getting back into the groove of fighting,” he added. “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.”
A Jake Paul Showdown?
Remarkably, one of the names being discussed is influencer-boxer Jake Paul. While no formal offer has been made, Hearn confirmed that conversations have taken place. Paul has previously expressed interest in facing a larger opponent like Joshua, calling it “the most dangerous fight for me right now.”
Hearn seemed open to the idea for a low-key return. “If we were to have a run out, a run out against Jake Paul would be quite pleasant,” he commented. However, he also stressed that if the fight does happen this year and it isn’t against a high-profile name like Paul, it will be a very low-key affair.
An Under-the-Radar Opponent
“If he fights this year, you probably won’t even hear about it unless it’s Jake Paul,” Hearn admitted, underscoring the intention to avoid a major spectacle.
What’s Next for AJ?
Joshua’s loss to Dubois ended a promising four-fight winning streak that followed his consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. While a tune-up fight is the immediate priority, the long-awaited showdown with rival Tyson Fury remains a possibility for 2026, when Fury is expected to resume his own boxing career. For now, the boxing world watches and waits for this week’s crucial decision.
Image Referance: https://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/46938079/eddie-hearn-anthony-joshua-boxing