Anthony Joshua could be set to end his 14-month hiatus with a last-minute fight against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua has not fought since he suffered a fifth-round stoppage defeat to British rival Daniel Dubois last September.
It blunted Joshua’s momentum under trainer Ben Davison and his push towards another world title tilt.
But promoter Eddie Hearn revealed on Tuesday night that a tune-up fight is on the cards.
Reports in the US now suggest Joshua is close to finalising a bout with Paul in Miami in December.
Paul was defeated by Tyson Fury’s brother Tommy in 2023 before his win against boxing great Mike Tyson in an eight-round contest last year.
He had been due to face Gervonta Davis until a civil lawsuit against the WBA lightweight champion put an end to the proposed 14 November exhibition fight.
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Hearn confirmed on Monday a decision needs to be made this week if Joshua is to be active in 2025.
“We will make a decision this week in terms of if he will fight this year. We have to decide by this weekend basically,” he told Sky Sports.
Hearn added: “I think it would be so good for him but bizarre at the same time because there’s no money in the fight. We’re not going to start using him to sell tickets. Literally he will just pop up on a show.
“He’s really up for it. I think it would be so good for him. I’d love him to go in there and just smash someone up.”
Joshua’s loss to Dubois ended a run of four straight victories after back-to-back defeats against Oleksandr Usyk.
