Anthony Joshua may return after fourteen months with a last minute fight against Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua could be on the brink of a surprise return to the ring as reports suggest the former world heavyweight champion is close to finalising a December bout with YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul. The potential fight would end a fourteen month absence for Joshua who has not competed since suffering a fifth round stoppage defeat to fellow Briton Daniel Dubois last September.

The loss to Dubois halted Joshuas renewed momentum under trainer Ben Davison and slowed his ambition for another run at the world title. After four consecutive victories that followed his back to back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk the setback left him in search of a fresh path forward. Now promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted that a short notice return may be exactly what Joshua needs.

Hearn revealed earlier this week that talks are underway for a tune up fight and he confirmed that a decision must be made by the weekend if Joshua is to remain active before the year is out. Speaking to Sky Sports he said he believed a return to the ring would be good for Joshua both physically and mentally. He added that the idea of facing Paul is unusual but could also provide the fast route back to competition that Joshua has been seeking.

Reports emerging from the United States claim that Joshua and Paul are nearing an agreement for a Miami fight in December. If finalised the matchup would place a two time world heavyweight champion opposite a former YouTube star who has reinvented himself as a boxer with a controversial profile and a growing list of high profile fights.

Paul first gained fame online before pushing himself into the boxing spotlight. He suffered a defeat to Tommy Fury in 2023 but returned to the ring to secure a surprise victory over former world champion Mike Tyson in an eight round exhibition contest last year. His planned exhibition against Gervonta Davis collapsed after a civil lawsuit involving the WBA lightweight champion halted the proposed date of fourteen November.

Despite the unconventional nature of a Joshua versus Paul clash Hearn insists the possible fight is not being designed as a money making spectacle. He said there is no intention of using Joshua as a ticket selling attraction and instead the goal is to get him active again as quickly as possible. Hearn described the idea as bizarre but also said Joshua is eager to compete and wants an opponent he can simply walk through.

Joshua has always been known for his disciplined approach and his willingness to take on the best names in the division. His victories over Wladimir Klitschko Joseph Parker and Alexander Povetkin cemented his reputation as a major force in heavyweight boxing. Yet the last few years have been turbulent as he faced two consecutive losses to Usyk followed by the defeat to Dubois. Those results have left him needing to rebuild confidence and rhythm.

For Paul the possibility of facing a former unified heavyweight champion would represent the biggest moment of his boxing career. His rise from internet celebrity to professional fighter has been met with both fascination and scepticism. Many fans and analysts question whether he can genuinely compete with elite level boxers. A fight with Joshua would provide a clear answer.

Hearn stressed that the final decision must be taken within days. If Joshua does not fight before the end of the year he risks extending his period of inactivity further and losing crucial momentum in a heavyweight landscape that is constantly shifting. With big names such as Tyson Fury Usyk and Dubois all competing for dominance Joshua needs a return that reignites his presence in the division.

For now the situation remains fluid. Talks are ongoing and the boxing world waits to see whether one of the sports most recognisable champions will step back into the ring against one of its most unlikely newcomers. If confirmed the clash would undoubtedly command global attention and spark fierce debate about the evolution of modern boxing.