EDDIE HEARN has revealed Anthony Joshua is set for a last-minute comeback fight before the end of the year.
AJ has been out of the ring since September 2024 when he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois at Wembley.
And after recovering from elbow surgery in the summer – Joshua has been teasing a return to the ring with February initially touted.
But promoter Hearn hinted at AJ fighting again before the year ends.
Matchroom stage events on November 15, December 13 and December 27 – and Hearn was asked if Joshua will fight on one of the shows.
He simply replied: “Yes.”
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AJ heads Jake Paul’s 5-man shortlist of Gervonta Davis replacements
Joshua, 36, was in shock talks to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 28, earlier in the year.
But negotiations were shelved after Paul announced a November 14 exhibition against Gervonta Davis – streamed live on Netflix.
Although that is now in jeopardy after Davis was accused of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress by his ex-girlfriend.
She is seeking damages “of over $50,000” (£38,145) as she is seeking therapeutic treatment to help her deal with her PTSD from the alleged attack.
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Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions – co-founded by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian – are now investigating the allegations putting the fight in doubt.
Hearn claimed he has reached out to Bidarian to put Joshua forward as a replacement.
He said: “We’re available. Subject to, of course, the global home of boxing in which we have exclusivity with, Anthony Joshua has exclusivity with.
“If you’re asking me, do we take the fight? Of course we take the fight. It would be a nice way to end this little journey.
“Does Jake Paul really want to fight Anthony Joshua? He’s a crazy guy, he’s a crazy guy.
“Maybe he thinks he can catch Anthony Joshua on the fly, hasn’t really been in training camp.
“Nothing too much to report to you right now but should the opportunity present itself it would be a huge fight. Never say never.”
