Anthony Joshua’s 5 Most Probable Opponents Ranked by Likelihood, Earnings, & Chances of Winning

One of the great things about modern boxing is that one big win can make you a celebrity overnight.

And that was the case most recently, on the 11th of October, when two heavyweights scored victories in separate bouts and immediately made their case for why they’re a suitable opponent for Anthony Joshua, the British former two-time heavyweight world champion who remains a bona fide draw at the gate in multiple markets, and pay-per-view.

Joshua won his first championship in 2016, and then defeated Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin in a world title run, before suffering the first of three losses to Andy Ruiz, and then Oleksandr Usyk (twice) from 2019 to 2022. Joshua reminded the fight game of his elite mettle as he rebounded from those setbacks with four wins in a row, until he came unstuck, once again, to Daniel Dubois in 2024.

Though he has not fought since then, Joshua is linked with a comeback in the coming months. The only question that remains, though, is against whom. And so, in this GIVE ME SPORT list, we name the five most obvious candidates and rank them according to likelihood of them happening, public interest, and chances of him winning.

5

Arslanbek Makhmudov

The towering Russian-Canadian fighter is a considerable option, but arguably the least likely fight for Anthony Joshua out of the boxers on this list. Makhmudov has a destructive style and 90% KO ratio, but he flattered to deceive in a somewhat routine yet benight win recently over David Allen. He’s relatively unknown to casual fans and brings no geographic market or fanbase. Financially, it’s a low-yield, low-risk match-up, offering maybe a mid-seven-figure purse for Joshua, but few broadcast fireworks.

Public interest would be limited to hardcore fans — those intrigued by raw power versus technical precision — but it’s a hard sell to global audiences. Joshua, at this stage of his career, seems focused on legacy-defining and marketable events, not bouts against the likes of Mukhmodov, despite his burgeoning pedigree.

4

Jake Paul

Jake Paul represents spectacle over sporting merit, yet his name alone guarantees global attention. The YouTuber-turned-fighter’s crossover appeal and social-media reach would deliver enormous commercial value, potentially rivaling Joshua’s biggest career purses.

But the likelihood of it happening in the short term is minimal, despite promoter Eddie Hearn labelling Paul “the frontrunner” for a bout early 2026, as the American instead fights Jake Paul mid-November.

Though Joshua’s brand still orbits world-title contention, while Paul is viewed — even after beating ex-UFC names — as a novelty act unready for a true heavyweight, AJ has competed in this type of event before when he bludgeoned Francis Ngannou with ease. Still, the financial temptation lingers: Saudi Arabia or Netflix would pay tens of millions to stage it, with Joshua potentially earning north of $40 million. Public interest would explode; casual fans would tune in, traditionalists would protest, and the circus would fuel headlines for weeks.

It’s a blockbuster in theory, but a sideshow in practice — one that feels more like an exhibition event for the future.

3

Martin Bakole

This fight carries real intrigue — not only for boxing reasons but for its potential to happen in Nigeria. Bakole, the Congo-born, Scotland-based contender, has been calling for this fight for years, and his rugged, pressure-first style presents a credible test. He’s dangerous but not unbeatable, making the risk-reward balance fair for Joshua’s comeback campaign.

Public interest in Africa would be immense; staging Joshua’s homecoming on the continent would create one of the most emotional, historic events in modern boxing.

From a financial perspective, it could attract sponsors and broadcasters eager to tap into untapped markets, earning Joshua $20–25 million while reviving his global aura. The likelihood depends on logistics — venue, local partners, and government backing — but if Nigeria aligns behind it, this could happen sooner than expected.

2

Tony Yoka

The French Olympic gold medalist remains a fascinating — if inconsistent — name.

Once touted as Europe’s next great heavyweight, Yoka has stumbled in recent years, yet his pedigree, Parisian fanbase, and stylistic compatibility with Joshua make the fight credible. It’s a low-risk, high-visibility comeback for AJ, particularly if Matchroom explores a European stadium show. Yoka’s name recognition in France ensures broadcast appeal, and Joshua’s brand power would carry the event globally.

Public interest wouldn’t hit Fury or Deontay Wilder levels but would resonate across Europe, offering a clean, technical matchup between two Olympic champions.

Financially, the fight could bring Joshua around $15–20 million depending on location. And the likelihood of it happening is moderate. If Joshua opts for a controlled return rather than a firefight, Yoka represents a marketable, legacy-safe opponent with a clean narrative — Olympian vs Olympian — that plays well in both DAZN and European media markets.

1

Guido Vianello

At present, Guido Vianello could well be the front-runner for Anthony Joshua’s next fight. The Italian heavyweight’s recent win, charisma, and growing Italian fanbase make him a sensible opponent for Joshua’s 2026 return.

The fight is easy to make — both fighters are aligned with promotional partners who’ve shown a willingness to collaborate — and it ticks commercial boxes without being high-risk. Vianello offers name recognition in Europe, a fresh story for DAZN, and a fight that’s winnable but not meaningless.

Public interest would be solid, particularly in Italy and the UK, where national pride narratives thrive. Financially, it’s a mid-tier payday — around $15 million for Joshua — with upside if it lands in Rome, at the Coliseum like Vianello called for, or London. The storyline of “The Gladiator vs The Gentleman” practically writes itself. For Joshua’s next step, it’s realistic, promotable, and timed perfectly to rebuild momentum heading into 2026.