The heavyweight division continues to await the return of Anthony Joshua and there is one fighter whom ‘AJ’ seems happy to face before the end of the year.

Joshua’s most recent outing came in an unsuccessful challenge for Daniel Dubois’ IBF world title last September at Wembley Stadium, where he was stopped after five brutal rounds against his fellow Briton.

Since then, Dubois has lost that belt to Oleksandr Usyk, whilst AJ has been sidelined through injury and underwent elbow surgery before returning to training in September.

Now, there are reports that Joshua could attempt to shake off 15 months’ worth of ring rust on an undercard before 2025 comes to a close, with the Pacheco-Sadjo (Dec. 13) and Inoue-Picasso (Dec. 27) shows being touted for his potential return.

Yet, speaking with iFL TV, Eddie Hearn, promoter of Joshua, revealed that AJ is willing to replace Gervonta Davis and fight Jake Paul next month.

“There would have to be a lot of things that fall into place, but it is possible [that Joshua fights Jake Paul next].

“Yes, I have spoken to Nakisa Bidarian [Paul’s advisor], we have talked over it and around it. I know the situation.

“Yes, [I have spoken to Joshua about it]. [He said], ‘just let me know where and when’.”

Paul is expected to fight in December, with Andre Ward and Nate Diaz also being considered as possible late-notice opponents after the clash with Davis was cancelled due to ‘Tank’ being involved in a civil lawsuit regarding domestic allegations.