Anthony Joshua's dinner in Dubai with Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn was interrupted when drug testers from UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) turned up at the table unannounced.<br /><br />The 35-year-old heavyweight has not fought since his September 2024 knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, and with no immediate fight scheduled, was in the UAE holding talks with Hearn about his next move.<br /><br />But any sense of low-key negotiations was cut short when UKAD officers arrived at the lavish restaurant to conduct random testing on the former heavyweight world champion.<br /><br />Hearn, who filmed the incident, posted: 'Most tested fighter of all time. Hasn't boxed for a year. Out for dinner in Dubai and UKAD rock up.' Joshua, smiling into the camera, flexed and joked: 'Ed, they must have seen my chin-ups' <br /><br />UKAD, working alongside the British Boxing Board of Control, has the right to test athletes at any time, anywhere in the world. Boxers are required to provide their whereabouts in advance, with failure to comply risking suspensions. <br /><br />The surprise visit from the UK Anti-Doping organisation comes as Joshua continues his recovery from elbow surgery earlier this year, which delayed his long-anticipated return to the ring. <br /><br />Joshua appeared to give blood as part of the process, later posting a photo with Hearn that showed a plaster on the inside of his arm. <br /><br />Keeping the banter going, AJ doubled down on his earlier quip about UKAD 'seeing his muscles' by uploading a video of himself knocking out some pull-ups by the pool after dinner. <br /><br />Joshua is expected to return to the ring at the start of 2026. Talks with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul briefly surfaced, but the American has since announced an exhibition bout against Gervonta Davis in November.<br /><br />Paul's camp still insists a clash with Joshua could happen in 2026, though Hearn insists they are pressing ahead with their own plans and hinted a blockbuster bout in Africa could be next. <br /><br />Hearn told Sky Sports: 'We're certainly not holding out for a Jake Paul fight. We're making our own plans, nd that will be January, February 2026.' While Matchroom CEO Frank Smith told Daily Mail Sport, Ghana was being eyed up as a potential destination. <br /><br />Smith flew to Ghana in August to hold exploratory meetings in Accra and open discussions over a broader, multi-event partnership designed to develop elite boxing across the region. <br /><br />Smith travelled to Accra earlier to scope out potential venues and met with local promoters, including Legacy Sports, who staged Amir Khan's event in the country earlier this year. <br /><br />Smith told Daily Mail Sport that the Accra Sports Stadium is currently being evaluated as a potential venue for AJ and other Matchroom fighters - claiming the infrastructure is already in place to deliver a major event.<br /><br />Smith also explained how discussions have also extended beyond boxing, with Matchroom exploring concerts and cross-entertainment ventures to maximise the long-term impact of a partnership.
