The name of Anthony Joshua continues to spark debate in the boxing world, even as he recovers from elbow surgery following his loss to Daniel Dubois. The former British champion does not yet have a confirmed return date, but speculation about his next opponent is heating up. Among the most mentioned names are Andre Ward, a retired former champion, and the media figure Jake Paul.

In this scenario, Mexican fighter Andy Ruiz Jr., the first boxer to defeat Joshua at the height of his career, has made his stance clear: he believes a clash with Jake Paul would make more sense than a bout with Ward.

A Fight With Greater Media Appeal

In an interview with Fight Hype, Ruiz Jr. stated that seeing Joshua step into the ring against Jake Paul would be more appealing both for the public and for the business side of boxing. He emphasized that while the Briton remains a dangerous opponent, his performances have declined in recent years, as shown in his defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and the aforementioned Dubois.

“I think a fight with Andre Ward would be complicated, but against Jake Paul it makes more sense and brings more spectacle,” explained the former heavyweight champion. These remarks come at a time when media attention around Joshua is so strong that even entertainment personalities like Paul see him as a viable target.

The Uncertainty Over Joshua’s Future

Despite his surgery and the uncertainty about his return, Anthony Joshua remains a lucrative name for promoters and opponents alike. The commercial appeal he generates ensures that any fight involving him will be a box office success. However, doubts about his current level grow with every month he spends away from the ring.

The reality is that both Jake Paul and other contenders know that facing Joshua represents not only a sporting challenge but also a golden opportunity to step into the global spotlight. Now, the big question is whether AJ will manage to return in condition to compete at the highest level or if his legacy will increasingly depend on media appeal rather than sporting success.