Three potential next opponents for Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua’s Netflix showdown with Jake Paul ended exactly how everyone predicted. The former two-time unified heavyweight champ stopped the cruiserweight fighter in Round 6 on December 19 in Miami.

The majority of boxing experts forecasted a demolition job for Joshua, but Paul stretched it further than expected. And it’s quite impressive that the YouTuber-turned-fighter overmatched the majority’s prediction. But the end of the bout was brutal for him. 

AJ landed a crushing right hand that literally broke Paul’s jaw and forced the referee to stop the fight. Here are three realistic names for Anthony Joshua’s next fight, though his focus remains on Tyson Fury

Three realistic next opponents for Anthony Joshua’s next fight

Arslanbek Makhmudov

The Russian power puncher will want this fight badly because he called out Anthony Joshua immediately after beating Dave Allen by decision on October 11, 2025. “Anthony Joshua, where are you guy? I come for you, guy,” Makhmudov said ringside. The 36-year-old heavyweight holds a 21-2 record with 19 knockouts, ranking among the WBA’s elite-class fighters.

Standing 6’6″ with impressive power and brilliant boxing IQ, Makhmudov brings the kind of threat that could make Joshua look sharp again. Plus, Matchroom owns promotional options on the Russian after his Allen win, making the fight plausible.

Joshua and Makhmudov already communicated on social media. Makhmudov claimed Joshua “gave me [his] word [that] he [is] going to fight with me next year.” If AJ’s serious about a quick turnaround, this matchup makes sense. It’s competitive enough to test him but winnable enough to keep momentum rolling.

Rico Verhoeven

The longtime kickboxing star vacated his GLORY heavyweight title on November 20, 2025, ending a 12-year reign. He is now being linked to a possible crossover fight with Joshua in February 2026. When asked about reports of Joshua vs. Verhoeven, heavyweight promoter Eddie Hearn did not dismiss the idea.

“Rico or whoever it is, we haven’t finalized that yet,” Hearn said. “The date is what we’re going to work out in the next four, five, or six days. We’re not going to rush him back if he’s not quite ready. But we won’t be long.”

Verhoeven is the “King of Kickboxing” and arguably the greatest heavyweight kickboxer ever. He’s 55-10 in kickboxing with 17 knockouts. The 6’5″ Dutchman has trained with Tyson Fury to sharpen his boxing skills.

This would be another crossover spectacle like Paul and the February timeline fits if Joshua’s body carries things up after Paul.

Tony Yoka

The French Olympic gold medalist has long been considered a potential opponent for Joshua. He holds a 14-3 record with 11 knockouts. He brings enormous brand value to the table with his name, winning a 2016 Rio gold medal and beating Joe Joyce in the Olympic final. 

However, his career has slowed in recent years, but he has now signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. At 6’7″ with decent pop, he can pose a challenge to any of his opponents, even Joshua. 

He is undoubtedly a credible opponent with an Olympic résumé and a realistic opponent for Joshua. If AJ wants to fight in the UK or Europe early next year, Yoka’s a name that draws casual interest without serious risk. Plus, rematching an Olympic rival adds sufficient juice to the narrative.