Arslanbek Makhmudov will not be fighting Anthony Joshua next, according to Matchroom CEO Frank Smith.Joshua has not been seen in the ring since Daniel Dubois knocked him out in 2024.Mark Robinson/Matchroom BoxingMakhmudov is looking past his next opponent Dave Allen as Joshua makes agreement to fight him next year[/caption]As he gears up to comeback, following successful surgery on an elbow injury, rumours are circulating over who his next opponent will be.Makhmudov has said that, should he beat Dave Allen on Saturday, he would be up for a fight with Joshua.The Russian told talkSPORT.com: “I hope I will get a good opportunity with the next win.“By the way, Joshua told me on Instagram that if I win this fight, then I will fight with him.“He said next year we can do it.”Rumours began circulating after Makhmudov shared details of his conversation with Joshua, which has prompted Joshua’s team to comment.Matchroom CEO, Smith, has since clarified to BoxingScene: “I think, in Makhmudov’s head, he might land a fight with Anthony Joshua.“Look, AJ, we all know he’s working through what’s next – there’s so many big fights. “AJ is the commercial kingpin of the heavyweight division. “I know Makhmudov was pestering AJ for a fight on social media and in the DMs, but I think [Makhmudov and Allen] have got to focus on Saturday night.GettyAllen and Makhmudov will meet on October 11 in Sheffield[/caption]“I don’t think [Makhmudov] is in the list right now [to face Joshua], I’ll be honest with you. “But there’s also so many different routes AJ can go down. As we all know, the Tyson Fury fight is the fight that there is a lot of talk about. “There’s been talk about a Jake Paul fight as well, which is a complete other end of the spectrum. So let’s see how things play out. “AJ is in his own world of, he can do what he wants, he can go in any fight he wants to do. “But this is a big fight, as I say, for the winner to come out of this and be involved in big-name fights beyond.”While the winner of Makhmudov and Allen’s clash is expected to get the opportunity to face one of the division’s top contenders, it’s unlikely that Joshua is included in that list.Who are we likely to see Anthony Joshua fighting when he returns to the ring?The 35-year-old has since return to training following an elbow injury ahead of a huge comebackMark Robinson / Matchroom BoxingWhile the official news is yet to come, Joshua is anticipated to be returning in early 2026.The Watford powerhouse is anticipated to be taking a more competitive fight before facing a top-15 ranked heavyweight.When iFL TV asked his promoter, Eddie Hearn, about his man’s comeback opponent, he gave three names: Tony Yoka, Martin Bakole and Efe Ajagba.Coincidentally, his bitter rival Deontay Wilder has announced that he has signed a deal for a January bout.As his opponent is yet to be announced, we could see Joshua in the opposite corner.Although, the boxing fraternity remains divided on whether or not Joshua should continue fighting or just retire with a professional record of 28-4.