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Jake Paul has suffered a significant setback in his quest to secure bouts with both Anthony Joshua and Gervonta Davis after confirmation the heavyweight plans to pursue other opportunities.

The YouTuber-turned-pugilist is set to return to action on November 14 against Davis in an exhibition match at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. This marks Paul's second outing of the year following his victory over former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June.

For several weeks, it appeared highly probable that the American would clash with Joshua in a heavyweight encounter early next year. The British fighter's promoter, Eddie Hearn, recently disclosed that the YouTuber-turned-boxer was leading the race for the fight.

READ MORE: Jake Paul sends cryptic message to Anthony Joshua after snubbing heavyweight

READ MORE: Anthony Joshua's future becomes clear after Jake Paul fight snub

Paul was so keen to share the ring with the heavyweight sensation that he was prepared to accept just ONE PER CENT of the prize money. Nevertheless, despite the latest developments, Paul suggested he still has Joshua in his sights. In a message posted on X - previously Twitter - the social media star declared he would "kill David," then "slaughter Goliath" - possibly hinting at his desire to face the two-time heavyweight champion next year, reports All Out Fighting.

"His nickname might be Tank, but I'm an FPV drone and I'm about to disable tiny boy. Yes, he's one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world, but my motto is anyone, anytime, anyplace, against all odds. And I like my odds. First, I am going to kill David, then I will go on to slaughter Goliath," Paul wrote. Despite cryptically revealing his plans for the next year or so, it now appears more likely that Joshua will move on - serving as a real blow to Paul.

In an interview with FightHype, 'AJ's' promoter Hearn clarified the Brit's future, explaining that the 35 year old will fight another opponent in either January or February.

When asked whether he has spoken to the British boxer since the Paul news, he replied: "No. He was quite chilled about the whole thing anyway. He is kind of like that guy that just says 'look, just phone me when it is done.' And, until it is done, I do not think a lot of it. I do not know if it is real or not, but whatever. We were talking about a fight in February or March. We knew that Jake Paul might fight November. I did not expect it to be Gervonta (Davis)."

Hearn added: "I do not know how it affects us in terms of would we do the fight. The issue is, we are not going to wait until November. I won't speak on his behalf like that, but I doubt we commit to the fight until the Tank fight is over. We are not going to wait until November to make our move. So it is very likely that AJ will fight January, February, now probably against someone else."

Regarding who's lined up next for Joshua - that remains unclear. The two-time world champion hasn't stepped into the ring since his devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. Recently, Dubois' manager, Sam Jones, suggested that a rematch between the pair of heavyweights could be in the pipeline. "The rematch with AJ is always there. I'm a big AJ fan - I've made no secret of that," Jones told Sky Sports.

"He's a proud man, and I know he won't want to keep seeing that knockout by Daniel on his screen. I'm sure he'll want to right that wrong. And if he ever wants to, then let's get it on. It's all about what's best for Daniel now - WBO, IBF, WBC. He belongs at the top table in heavyweight boxing. He's an elite-level heavyweight. All those names you mentioned - Daniel will be back in the mix."