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ANTHONY JOSHUA has received offers to fight a kickboxing legend for his next match, as revealed by promoter Eddie Hearn.
AJ is coming off a sixth-round knockout victory, but a return to Riyadh is already scheduled for early 2026.
Anthony Joshua celebrates his victory over Jake PaulCredit: Getty
Rico Verhoeven is rumored to be fighting AJCredit: Getty – Contributor
Hearn confirmed the speculation surrounding kickboxing great Rico Verhoeven – who holds a 1-0 boxing record and remains unbeaten for TEN YEARS.
He stated on Ariel Helwani’s show : “Rico is a name that has come up from various sources.
“We are straightforward; ultimately, we will consider offers. A fight that prepares us for Tyson Fury is essential—this will be a challenging matchup stylistically—so we might explore other opponents as well.
“But for now, we are open to options.”
Joshua, 36, was initially set to return as early as February 14, but following two months of training and six rounds with Paul, 28, this may be postponed until March.
Verhoeven, also 36, has not suffered a loss in the kickboxing ring since 2015.
His most recent fight was in June, where he won on points against Russian Artem Vakhitov, 34.
Hearn praised Joshua’s knockout win over Paul, 28, calling him the biggest star in the sport.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua - Latest Reaction
Jake Paul was knocked down four times before Anthony Joshua secured the victory.
Joshua triumphed in a Netflix superfight in Miami; however, viewers were not satisfied with the match.
The two-time heavyweight champion was expected to easily defeat the former YouTuber, but it took him SIX rounds to finish the resilient American.
Although Paul was knocked down four times during the fight, fans, commentators, and even the referee criticized both fighters for a lack of action and insufficient punches thrown.
After the match, Joshua called out Tyson Fury, while Paul disclosed that he had sustained a severe broken jaw.
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Hearn remarked: “This changes everything. People tend to disagree when I say AJ was already arguably the biggest star in boxing.
“Now, without a doubt, he is the biggest star in boxing. At this moment, there is no question that Anthony Joshua is the top star in global boxing.
“But how will this strategy evolve moving forward, particularly in the American market?
“I understand how personable and likable he is; his brand has been easy to develop over the years due to his many attributes.
“We can replicate this success in America, as it is a significant market.”
Jake Paul’s jaw was broken by AJCredit: AFP
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anthony Joshua's next potential opponent?
Anthony Joshua's next potential opponent is kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven.
When is Anthony Joshua's next fight scheduled?
Anthony Joshua's next fight is scheduled for early 2026 in Riyadh.
What happened during the fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul?
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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