The promoter has revealed that the former heavyweight world champion is unlikely to be back in the ring until 2026 after his expected next opponent Jake Paul announced a November fight against Gervonta 'Tank' Davis.

Asked what the development meant for Joshua, Hearn told Fight Hype: "We knew Jake might fight in November, we didn’t expect it to be Gervonta.

"So I don’t really know how that affects us in terms of would we do that fight? The issue is we won’t wait till November.

"I won’t speak on his behalf, but I doubt we will commit to that fight until Tank has fought him in November.

"We are not going to wait until November to make our move, so it is very likely Anthony Joshua will fight in January or February against someone else.

"But Tank is Tank, who knows? They still have to make sure that the fight happens. We knew Jake would take a fight this side of the year, but it is what it is."

Speculation of a fight between Joshua and YouTube star Paul has been rumbling all summer and Hearn has acknowledged that a clash between the pair would generate massive public interest.

The Matchroom supremo said last month: "I think you have to give Jake his props and look he's a disruptor, he wants to create mad moments.

"If he wants to be mad enough to get in the ring with Anthony Joshua and make several tens or potentially hundreds of millions, he will do it, Jake Paul.

"Will AJ? He's his own man, but I will be saying, 'Yeah, go on mate. Go and deal with this guy. Get him out of the game.'

"I think a lot of people will tune in to watch. Is it a fight that I think should be happening? No, not really, but we live in a completely crazy world, especially in the world of boxing where you just never know."