Anthony Joshua suffered a devastating knockout defeat against Daniel Dubois in his last fight. And according to Eddie Hearn, rumors of his next fight being a done deal are false.

Eddie Hearn has on Wednesday denied reports that Anthony Joshua's next opponent and fight has been agreed upon.

Joshua and Bakole have been linked with one another for a number of years, with Bakole claiming he had ‘AJ’ hurt during an infamous sparring session. Bakole’s promoter Ben Shalom spoke about the proposed match-up last week, stating that the fight between ‘AJ’ and Bakole has already been signed.

The promoter of Martin Bakole that's what I want to be known as. The number one heavyweight in the world. It's done. I'm hearing he's signed an

It will be nine months after he last fought professionally, when he defeated the USA's Jared Anderson via a fifth-round knockout to take the WBO International and WBA-NABF heavyweight titles, despite fighting on his opponent's home field in Los Angeles.

Anthony Joshua's team have responded to recent reports claiming his next fight will be against Martin Bakole in Africa.

In a development that could echo the historic Rumble in the Jungle, discussions are underway for a high-profile heavyweight bout between former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua and rising contender Martin Bakole.