Anthony Joshua is reportedly planning a comeback in early 2026. He and Jake Paul had a final face-off Thursday night at Miami’s Caseya Center before their fight, a match that many saw as a tough challenge for Paul but a clear win for Joshua due to the significant size difference. Critics questioned why Joshua agreed to such an unconventional fight in the first place. Recently, a reporter hinted that Joshua might engage in more unusual matchups moving forward.
During fight week, Joshua and Tyson Fury exchanged words, with rumors of a potential clash in 2026 after Joshua faces another opponent. Ariel Helwani, hosting a live show in Miami, teased that if Joshua wins against Paul on December 19th, he might announce his next opponent on February 14th. Helwani suggested this upcoming fight would be unexpected and encouraged fans to stay tuned when he interviews Joshua in the ring.
One likely contender fitting the “left field” description is Rico Verhoeven, known as the “Prince of Kickboxing.” Verhoeven recently ended his 12-year reign as GLORY heavyweight champion and is considering a transition to boxing or MMA. While Joshua would be favored in that bout, it might not be the best preparation for a fight with Tyson Fury but would surely draw significant attention.
Fan Take: This news is exciting for fight fans as it promises fresh and unexpected matchups, keeping the sport dynamic and unpredictable. Joshua’s potential bouts, especially against unconventional opponents like Rico Verhoeven, could attract new audiences and redefine the boundaries of heavyweight boxing.
