The British boxer hasn't fought since being beaten by Daniel Dubois last September but his promoter has explained that he would be interested in taking on the winner of the IBF title holder's clash with Joseph Parker this weekend - particularly with the prospect of a fight with Tyson Fury seemingly at an end following The Gypsy King's retirement.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Hearn said: "AJ wants to become world heavyweight champion again.
"So the winner of Dubois and Parker is a real possibility. But AJ is gonna fight again, he wants to get back in the ring. He wants to compete.
"But of course, the goal as always is to become world heavyweight champion. If Tyson Fury is out of the game, the focus will be on the Dubois-Parker winner."
The Matchroom promoter had been keen to make a bout between Joshua and Fury but feels that the former world champion's retirement announcement last month was genuine despite his previous U-turns when it comes to quitting the sport.
Hearn said: "Maybe it's a play. But maybe more likely, he's had enough.
"This is the kind of sport where if you get the fight punched out of you, or you don't have the heart for it anymore, it's a very dangerous game. I think the last thing you want to do is go into a fight with Anthony Joshua if you don't fancy it anymore.
"If genuine, I wish him all the best. What a fantastic career. Made a bucket load of money, world heavyweight champion, one of the top fighters of our generation. Gut feeling? He'll be back, but maybe that's the optimist in me."
