Anthony Joshua’s 17-Month Absence and The Search For A Top-15 Opponent in Early 2026

Promoter Eddie Hears Anthony Joshua Will Be Fighting in “Early 2026” Against A Heavyweight “Top 15 World Rankings” for His Tune-Up. Hearn States That He’s Not Interested in A Jake Paul Fight After HE Chose to Face Lightweight Gervis on Exhibition Match on November 14, 2025.

Joshua (28-4, 25 kos) on October 15, and he’ll Have Out of the Ring 16 to 17 months when January or February 2026. AJ Is Coming Off of Elbow Surgery. The Tune-Up Fight That Happened This Year Against Paul Fell Apart When The Popular YouTuber Turned Boxer Chose Davis.

Joshua’s New Path

“We’re Not Interested In The Jake Paul Fight After That,” Said Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn Boxing News When Asked About Anthony Joshua’s Plans for His Next Fight.

Hearn’s Comment About Him No Being Interested in a Fight Joshua and Paul Reflects Retired Former World Champion Carl Froch’s Comment on His YouTube Channel That Aj and Eddie had been “Hustled” by Jake.

What Franch Meant Paul Had “Played A Blinder With Hearn A Joshua Fight, November 14, 2025, Franch believes While negotiating for The Match Against Tank Davis.

Navigating The Rankings

“For US, The Plan Was Was You Have a Comeback Warm-Up Fight, And That’s Still Plan. It’s Going To Be The Top 15 World Rankings, “ Said Hearn About Aj’s Next Clash. “HE’S TRAINING, AND HE’LL BE READY TO GO, WE HAVONT NEXT NEXT NEXT SUMMER. Hopefully, That’s Against Tyson Fury, But We’ll Have See. “

There aren’t Many Safe Choices From The Top 15 Joshua to Fight in A Tune-Up. Many of Them Are Powerful, Hungry, and Would Pose a Threat to Joshua.

The Danger of Top 15

Danger of the Lower-Ranked Fighters in the Top Tier:

• Bakhodir Yalolov
• Richard Torrez Jr.
• Philip Hrgovic
• Deontay Wilder
• Flyer
• Murat Gassiev

“Strong rumors from North London, The Former Unified Heavyweight World Champion, Will Face Tony Yoka – And Not Paul Or Fury – Next … Will That Fight Be The Tune-Up He Needs?” Said Writer Nick Parkinson to ESPN About a Potential Next Opponent for Joshua in Early 2026.