Overview
- Promoter Eddie Hearn said he will decide within days whether Anthony Joshua fights before year-end, likely as a low-profile undercard appearance announced only in fight week.
- Hearn described the mooted bout as a no‑frills tune-up with no ticket-selling push, framing it as a low-risk way to reintroduce Joshua before bigger targets.
- Joshua has been inactive for nearly 14 months after a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
- Hearn confirmed discussions involving Jake Paul but said there has been no offer to Joshua and indicated Joshua is not a December replacement option for Paul.
- Joshua is resetting his setup with a new coaching search, a recent visit to Oleksandr Usyk's camp, and reported elbow surgery, while a future clash with Tyson Fury remains an aim as reports suggest Fury could return next year.