Anthony Joshua's future becomes clear after Jake Paul fight snub

Anthony Joshua is set to make his comeback early next year after the British heavyweight was snubbed by Jake Paul.

The 'Problem Child' made his return to action in June, defeating former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Keen to remain busy, the American has recently confirmed his next bout - but it won't be against Joshua. Despite repeatedly challenging the Brit over recent months, Paul will now face lightweight king Gervonta Davis instead.

The duo are set to clash on November 14 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Numerous boxing enthusiasts were left shocked, especially after a bout between Paul and Joshua appeared destined for early next year. Paul was so eager to share the ring with the heavyweight sensation that he was prepared to accept just a ONE PER CENT share of the purse.

READ MORE: Jake Paul sends cryptic message to Anthony Joshua after snubbing heavyweight

READ MORE: Jake Paul has already revealed rules for Gervonta Davis fight

With Joshua now lacking an opponent, his promoter Eddie Hearn has disclosed his star fighter is targeting a comeback next year, whilst also sharing his views on Joshua's future. , when questioned whether he had spoken to the British boxer since the Paul announcement, he responded: "No. He was quite chilled about the whole thing anyway," reports All Out Fighting.

"He is kind of like that guy that just says 'look, just phone me when it is done.' And, until it is done, I do not think a lot of it. I do not know if it is real or not, but whatever. We were talking about a fight in February or March. We knew that Jake Paul might fight November. I did not expect it to be Gervonta (Davis)."

Hearn anticipates Joshua will return to action in January or February, explaining: "I do not know how it affects us in terms of would we do the fight. The issue is, we are not going to wait until November. I won't speak on his behalf like that, but I doubt we commit to the fight until the Tank fight is over. We are not going to wait until November to make our move. So it is very likely that AJ will fight January, February, now probably against someone else."

Whilst Hearn believes Joshua will proceed with an alternative opponent, Paul subsequently suggested he remains focused on the British heavyweight after responding to the bout announcement.

The 'Problem Child' declared he will "kill David," then "slaughter Goliath" - possibly indicating he's targeting a 2026 showdown with the former two-time heavyweight world champion. In a post shared on X - previously known as Twitter, he wrote: "His nickname might be Tank, but I'm an FPV drone and I'm about to disable tiny boy. Yes, he's one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world, but my motto is anyone, anytime, anyplace, against all odds. And I like my odds. First, I am going to kill David, then I will go on to slaughter Goliath."

When will Anthony Joshua fight next?

Joshua is currently recuperating from elbow surgery, with his promoter anticipating his return to the ring early next year. Hearn recently disclosed that 'AJ' is now eager to move forward with his career after repeatedly chasing a match with Tyson Fury, although he still harbours hopes of eventually squaring off with the 'Gypsy King' before retiring.

Hearn spoke to Sky Sports about Joshua's future plans, stating: "Yeah, good, he had that operation recently... that elbow surgery, which went very well. You will see him return in October, November or December." A rematch with Daniel Dubois could be in the pipeline after the Brit's manager - Sam Jones - expressed enthusiasm for a second face-off with 'AJ', saying: "The rematch with AJ is always there. I'm a big AJ fan - I've made no secret of that.

"He's a proud man, and I know he won't want to keep seeing that knockout by Daniel on his screen. I'm sure he'll want to right that wrong. And if he ever wants to, then let's get it on. It's all about what's best for Daniel now - WBO, IBF, WBC. He belongs at the top table in heavyweight boxing. He's an elite-level heavyweight. All those names you mentioned - Daniel will be back in the mix."