Friday’s bout was the first step in what Joshua hopes will be a renewed campaign at heavyweight. With talks of a potential showdown against Tyson Fury next year, the question remains: how will Joshua rebuild momentum and choose the right path to that anticipated clash?

Promoter Eddie Hearn has outlined the plan, emphasizing the importance of carefully selecting Joshua’s next opponent to prepare him for Fury without unnecessary risk.

When will Anthony Joshua fight next?

According to Hearn on The Ariel Helwani Show, Joshua is aiming for a return in February 14, though the fight could be pushed to mid-March due to the demands of his recent training camp. “We are moving forward with our plan now with His Excellency, that would be a fight in February/March, then hopefully fight Tyson Fury,” Hearn explained.

The promoter stressed the need for a strategically chosen opponent, one who can help Joshua regain rhythm and confidence in the ring without compromising his preparation for the larger challenge ahead.

Joshua’s potential opponents

Hearn acknowledged speculation around a bout with former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven, stating: “Rico is a fight that has been mentioned by certain people. Ultimately, we will field offers. We could do with a fight that’s going to prepare us for Tyson Fury. That’s quite a difficult thing to do, style-wise.”

He added that while Verhoeven has generated interest, Joshua may face a different opponent who better serves as a preparatory step toward Fury. “We might look at other opponents [besides Verhoeven], but we’re open at the moment. We’re in a wonderful position,” Hearn said.

Joshua’s next fight will not be against Fury early next year, partly because Fury is scheduled to fight in April and would likely not accept an opening-quarter bout with Joshua. Hearn confirmed that delaying until September would be unnecessary, as Joshua seeks to maintain momentum from his victory over Paul.

Joshua enters the fight aware that anything less than a commanding performance could invite scrutiny. Critics have highlighted Paul’s rapid rise in boxing, but even so, the consensus is that the former Olympic gold medalist holds a clear edge.

Meanwhile, Queensberry Promotions founder Frank Warren weighed in, stating that a poor showing by Joshua would be a serious concern. “If [Joshua] looks bad against Jake Paul, when you consider the experience he has and what Jake Paul’s got, then I think he should turn it in,” Warren said.

Joshua is preparing like it’s a world title fight, focusing on his technique, power, and timing. Hearn emphasized that the plan is simple: Joshua needs to control the fight from the start and finish it decisively, leaving no doubt about who is in charge.

Hearn’s message on Joshua’s retirement

During a November 27 interview with ProBoxingFans, Eddie Hearn made his position clear regarding Joshua’s potential retirement. “Yeah, I do. I suppose so. (expletive), yeah. Look, I don’t see a world where Jake Paul wins this fight. I know that boxing is boxing,” he said.

Hearn added, “I won’t retire. AJ should retire if he loses. I see AJ winning this fight with ease, comprehensively, destructively, violently.” He stressed that Joshua is taking the fight seriously: “Luckily, AJ is not preparing in a way that he just thinks it’s a joke. He’s preparing for Jake Paul like he’s a world title contender.”

Hearn concluded with a prediction for fight night: “We should just slide through this guy, and bash him up, and beat him up, and we should do it early doors.”

Joshua’s preparation and Hearn’s confident statements set the stage for one of the most watched matchups of the year. Fans and analysts will be looking not just at the result, but at how convincingly Joshua dominates in the ring.

Despite the obvious gap in experience and skill, talks between representatives on both sides are reportedly advancing. The possibility of this fight taking place has shifted from improbable to plausible, with insiders describing the chances as nearly even.

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s British promoter, expressed a blunt warning to Paul, emphasizing the danger he faces in the ring with Joshua. “I hope AJ goes in there and destroys him. This would be a brutal beatdown, an easy night at the office,” he said, underscoring the expected physical disparity between the two.

Is the fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua really happening?

The prospect of a fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua seemed far-fetched a few years ago. Now, the discussion is gaining serious momentum. Eddie Hearn revealed he recently spoke with Nakisa Bidarian, a close associate of Paul and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions. Hearn confirmed, “this is very real,” adding the likelihood of the fight happening is “50/50.” Bidarian characterized the event as one of “biblical” proportions, with potential timing aimed for 2026.

Yet, skepticism remains. Journalist Gareth A. Davies questioned Paul’s boxing credentials, calling him “a regional level boxer” and raised concerns about the safety of sanctioning such a fight given Joshua’s heavyweight power: “It doesn’t seem safe. I don’t think it should be sanctioned by any commission.”

Could this fight solve the “Jake Paul problem”?

The chairman of Riyadh Season, Turki Alalshikh, initially skeptical, now views the bout as a way to resolve ongoing debates about Jake Paul’s place in boxing. Alalshikh commented, “If Joshua destroys him, the headache is over. If Jake Paul wins, we will know that he deserves to be in boxing.”

Much remains uncertain about the fight’s future, but one thing is clear: if it materializes, it promises to be a major spectacle with global attention.

With elite names like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Joseph Parker tied up in other commitments, Joshua is reportedly eyeing an unconventional opponent—YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. According to Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn, both camps are aligned in timing, making the bout more realistic than ever.

“This is very real,” Hearn told The Ring Magazine. “I had a good chat for about an hour with Nakisa [Bidarian] on Wednesday, and now I believe they want the fight, I really do… because of the size of the fight, it leads me to believe there’s a very good chance it could happen.”

Could Jake Paul really step into the ring with a former heavyweight champion?

Since entering the boxing world, Jake Paul has consistently drawn attention with bold callouts and ambitious declarations. From challenging Canelo Alvarez to targeting legends like Mike Tyson, his sights have only gotten higher. Now, the 28-year-old appears fixated on Anthony Joshua, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist and former unified heavyweight world champion.

Paul’s camp, represented by Nakisa Bidarian, recently held in-depth talks with Hearn. While acknowledging the risk, they expressed genuine interest. “Jake truly believes he can win the fight, or at least be competitive,” Hearn said, suggesting that this is more than a publicity stunt—it’s a fight in active planning.

Could this be the biggest crossover fight in boxing history?

Despite the weight class disparity—Joshua weighing over 252 lbs in his last outing and Paul under 200—both sides see market potential. Paul, fresh off wins over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Mike Tyson, continues to build credibility. Meanwhile, Joshua is coming off a loss to Daniel Dubois and is seeking a meaningful comeback opportunity.

For Hearn and Matchroom, the commercial viability is undeniable. “It’s 50-50 right now,” Hearn stated. “A very positive conversation” has opened the door to what could be a massive box office draw. With no concrete date set, talks will continue in the coming weeks.

Hearn questioned Crawford’s readiness for an opponent of Canelo’s caliber, pointing to the significant jump in weight class and the vast experience Alvarez brings. While Crawford is an elite fighter with a sterling record, Hearn believes underestimating Canelo’s power and ring intelligence could prove costly.

In addition to the physical challenge, Hearn also raised concerns about Crawford’s resume, suggesting that the quality of opponents he has faced does not match the level of competition Canelo has consistently overcome throughout his career.

Is Crawford ready for Canelo?

Crawford is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers today, especially after his commanding victory over Errol Spence Jr. However, Eddie Hearn cautions that moving up to face Canelo Alvarez, who has fought at super middleweight and light heavyweight with great success, is a daunting task.

“Crawford is an incredible fighter, but he has never faced anyone like Canelo,” Hearn said. “You can’t just move up in weight and expect your natural talent to be enough. Canelo is a monster at 168 pounds.”

This jump in weight class could present significant challenges for Crawford, who has excelled at lighter divisions but will now face a physically larger and more experienced adversary.

Critique of Crawford’s career path

Hearn also questioned the strength of Crawford’s opposition in his professional career compared to Alvarez’s extensive list of elite opponents. While Crawford boasts victories over notable fighters, Hearn highlighted that Canelo’s record includes battles against some of boxing’s biggest names.

“When you look at Crawford’s resume, there are big names, but it doesn’t compare to Canelo’s. This guy has fought Gennady Golovkin, Dmitry Bivol, Caleb Plant, Billy Joe Saunders… and has come through in most of those wars,” Hearn remarked.

Physical and tactical challenges

Beyond the resume, Hearn pointed to the stark physical differences between the fighters and the tactical complexity Canelo brings to the ring. While Crawford is technically brilliant, the physicality and power of Alvarez at 168 pounds could prove a significant obstacle.

“Crawford would have to move up to 168 pounds for this fight. That’s a huge jump,” Hearn said. “And while he’s technically brilliant, the physical difference could be telling.”

Canelo is not just a power puncher; he is also a highly strategic fighter with an underrated defensive skill set. This combination of attributes makes him a formidable challenge for anyone, even an elite fighter like Crawford.

Legacy at Stake

Despite the warnings, the fight between Crawford and Canelo promises to be an event of historic proportions. Both men hold undisputed titles in their respective divisions and are considered among the best in the sport.

Eddie Hearn summarized the stakes by noting, “If Crawford goes into this fight, it will be for legacy, not logic.”

Against all doubters, Jake Paul has proven to be a solid boxer. While he still has a long way to go, it seems like the YouTuber is on the right path to becoming a legitimate star in the sport.

After defeating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. by unanimous decision, many fans believe Jake Paul should now face top-tier boxers. Naturally, Anthony Joshua—whom Paul has called out multiple times—appears as one of the main options for the influencer.

Will Anthony Joshua face Jake Paul? Eddie Hearn gives major update on the matter

The rise of Jake Paul is definitely something worth analyzing. The influencer took his transition to boxing seriously, and he is now even recognized by the World Boxing Association (WBA) as one of the top cruiserweights in the world.

Last Saturday, Jake Paul defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. by unanimous decision. The YouTuber showed notable improvements in agility and ring control, dominating the former world champion across most of the fight.

Following the win, the WBA ranked Paul as the No. 14 cruiserweight in the world. He then called out Anthony Joshua for a potential bout—and now, the British boxer’s camp has officially responded to the challenge.

Eddie Hearn, Anthony Joshua’s longtime promoter, was asked about Jake Paul’s repeated callouts. Hearn made it clear that he would support the idea if Joshua wants to take the fight, saying he wouldn’t stand in the way if his fighter is genuinely interested.

“Will AJ (fight Paul)? He’s his own man, but I will be saying, ‘Yeah, go on mate. Go and deal with this guy. Get him out of the game,’” Hearn saidduring an interview with Sky Sports.

“He’s calling out Anthony Joshua, who is a heavyweight monster,” the promoter said, per talkSPORT. “I think Jake Paul is crazy enough to fight Anthony Joshua because the money would be absolutely obscene.”

At 35 years old, Canelo is preparing for what could be one of the most anticipated and defining fights of his career. On September 13, he will face the undefeated Terence Crawford (41-0), a matchup that might mark his final appearance in the ring.

This fight is part of the four-bout deal he signed with Riyadh Season and Turki Al-Sheikh, yet his underwhelming showing against Scull has fueled doubts about whether Canelo can continue competing at the sport’s highest level.

Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has been among the most vocal figures suggesting that Canelo may be preparing for retirement. In a recent press conference, Hearn commented candidly on the Mexican’s future:

“I think the fight with Crawford will be his last fight. There is no official word, and I haven’t spoken to him directly, but after seeing the fight with David Avanesyan, who was incredibly negative—after Crawford, what else is there?” He said.

Does Canelo even want this fight?

There are growing indications that Canelo was not particularly eager to face Crawford. Some reports suggest that the Mexican champion never truly viewed it as a legacy-defining bout, considering Crawford’s rise from lighter weight divisions.

“He’s never really liked the fight because I think he thinks, ‘Why would I get credit for beating someone three divisions below—two divisions now?’” Hearn explained. “Crawford moves well, he’s tricky, and it’s going to be difficult. But obviously, the money is massive, so Canelo will take the fight. I think it’s the training camps that will eventually push him to retire—it’s a huge strain on the body.”

Canelo: A legacy on the line

Regardless of motivations, the clash between Canelo and Crawford is poised to be a pivotal moment in modern boxing. Whether it becomes the final chapter of Canelo’s illustrious journey or merely another milestone depends on both the outcome and how Canelo feels when the final bell rings.

Canelo’s working relationship with the Matchroom Boxing Chairman began in 2020, when the Mexican fought Callum Smith for the WBC and WBA Super middleweight belts in his first fight as a free agent. The relationship extended to Alvarez’s next fight, against Billy Joe Saunders, in which he won another 168-pound belt, that of the WBO.

Although the relationship between Hearn and Canelo looked solid, almost of camaraderie, the loss to Dmitry Bivol may be the breaking point between them. Will the British promoter be able to please both the Mexican, who is boxing’s biggest product, and the Russian who is facing his big chance to become a world star?

Eddie Hearn’s blow to Canelo Alvarez

Dmitry Bivol took it upon himself to put a damper on Canelo Alvarez’s aspirations for an immediate rematch for the WBA World Light heavyweight title, noting that his big goal is to focus on fights that will allow him to build a legacy at 175 pounds. The Russian mentioned that he wanted to win all four championships in the division and that means facing the winner of Artur Beterbiev vs Joe Smith Jr.

Unexpectedly, Alvarez takes another hit following a statement made by Eddie Hearn about the fights he has in mind to offer Bivol to continue his career in 2022. Surprisingly for the Mexican’s aspirations, his name is not on the list of opponents Hearn and Matchroom Boxing have in mind for Dmitry.

“We will probably give Bivol a big fight in September or October. Either against the winner of Joshua Buatsi vs Craig Richards, Callum Smith or Gilberto ‘Zurdo’ Ramirez.” said Eddie Hearn during an interview for DAZN Boxing Show.

We will have to wait for the end of what is becoming a real soap opera: some media report that Canelo Alvarez is deciding which fight to take in September, Gennady Golovkin or the rematch with Dmitry Bivol. However, the will of Eddie Hearn could force the completion of the trilogy between the Mexican and the Kazakh.

The curious thing is that the Matchroom Boxing Chairman has not contemplated in his selection of the most stellar fights in the boxing firmament to figures that have shaken the fans with their fights, specifically Gervonta Davis, Oleksandr Usyk, Errol Spence Jr. or Terrence Crawford.

Thus, according to Eddie Hearn there would be only two big fights that would be the banner of boxing for the remaining months of 2022. And the thing is that for the English promoter, both fights have the same boxer as the main protagonist: the Mexican Saul Canelo Alvarez.

No Davis, no Crawford, no Usyk: boxing’s biggest fights for Hearn

It seems that despite losing clearly to Russian Dmitry Bivol in Las Vegas on May 7, Canelo Alvarez continues to get wins as Eddie Hearn believes that only the Mexican star’s bouts have the label of the biggest fights in boxing to happen in 2022.

“I would love to see the rematch (against vs Bivol). I think if I was advising him or if he actually listened to what I thought. He asked me my opinion. But as I said, we don’t make the decisions. I would probably go GGG, Dmitry Bivol. That’s what I would probably do, and we’d give Dmitry Bivol a big fight in September or October. The two biggest fights in boxing right now actually are Canelo against GGG and Canelo against Bivol rematch.”, stated Hearn to DAZN Boxing Show.

The Matchroom Boxing Chairman did not hold back his concern about Canelo Alvarez’s mental state after losing to Dmitry Bivol, since the Mexican was marked as the clear favorite to win the fight and even had already scheduled the third fight with Gennady Golovkin for September.

“So all the pressure right now is actually heaped on Canelo Alvarez. You don’t know what defeat is going to do to a man like that. We know he suffered one years ago against Floyd Mayweather. He was a young man then. Can he bounce back? Is he affected by that? Is his confidence gone?“, said Eddie Hearn.

In today’s boxing world, it is difficult for two of the best pound-for-pound fighters to face each other if they do not share a division or promoter. That is the greatness of Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano, because they are at the top of women’s boxing and, despite not sharing weight class or promoter, they will step into the ring to determine who is the true queen of the Sweet Science.

Irish Taylor, 35, has a record of 20-0-0, 6 KOs, and is the current WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF World Lightweight Champion. In addition, she was a gold medalist at London 2012. For her part, the 33-year-old Puerto Rican Serrano, 42-1-1, 30 KOs, is a true legend in the ring as she has been seven-division World Female Champion.

The unfortunate comparison of Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano by Eddie Hearn

In an interview for the Youtube channel IFLTV, Eddie Hearn shared his excitement for being one of the two promoters who were able to achieve the first female fight to star in a boxing card at the legendary Madison Square Garden.

However, his joy may have betrayed him as he compared Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano to a mega men’s boxing fight that paralyzed the world in 2015 by starring two of the best pound-for-pound fighters, even in history, but ended up disappointing the millions who watched it because of its lack of action.

“We’re talking two legends of the sport. This is Mayweather vs Pacquiao for women’s boxing. You’ve got an undisputed champion and you’ve got a seven-division champion. It’s putting a blueprint in place but not every fight is going to sell out the Garden.” stated Hearn.

The disappointing fight between Mayweather Jr. and Pacquiao

The night of May 2, 2015 was shaping up to be one of the most memorable in boxing history. Two legendary fighters, world champions in multiple weight classes, and future Hall of Famers, faced each other in the mecca of boxing, Las Vegas, with world championships on the line. What could go wrong?

They say boxing is all about styles, and that’s what went wrong in the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao matchup. The unwavering tendency of the Money not to be touched over attacking, and an unfortunate night for the Pacman delivered a fight lacking in action, with a low percentage of punches thrown and landed, which ended up with the American winning by UD.

Originally, a mega-fightthat promised to cripple the division was being planned. George Kambosos Jr. was set to defend his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles in Australia against former champion Vasyl Lomachenko. The Ukrainian was ready to try to regain the titles that Teofimo Lopez took from him in 2020.

However, Ukraine needs today more than ever its idols, its heroes, to keep the hope of its people, so Lomachenko (16-2-0, 11 KOs)is totally focused on it and the fight with Kambosos Jr. (20-0-0, 10 KOs) was left for a better occasion.

The new opponent who would be very close to face George Kambosos Jr.

According to Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Boxing, a fight is very close to being finalized at 135 pounds. Although it is labeled as an emerging fight, it is actually a mega-event because the winner will become the Undisputed Champion of the division: George Kambosos Jr. vs. Devin Haney.

“I believe this fight is going to get to closed. I think that obviously the Ukraine situation with Lomachenko rules him out of the mix as well here. Talks have been very positive between DAZN and Matchroom, Haney, DAZN, and Lou DiBella. I just feel that we can close this fight and it’s a must-make. The Undisputed Lightweight world championship in a stadium, in Australia, give George Kambosos his day. Give Devin Haney, who I believe is one of the biggest emerging stars in the sport, his opportunity to become Undisputed champion. If George wins, we can run it back in America, not a problem.“, stated Hearns tothe DAZN Boxing Show.

Devin Haney holds the WBC World Lightweight Championship. The American fighter is only 23 years old but he boasts a record of 27-0-0 with 15 KOs. In his three more recent bouts, he has overcome Yuriorkis Gamboa, Jorge Linares, and contender Joseph Diaz. Undoubtedly, a clash with Kambosos Jr. could be one of the most anticipated fights of 2022.