Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua are in real-deal negotiations to fight … and AJ’s longtime promoter, Eddie Hearn, says it could happen “early next year!”

The Matchroom Boxing boss — who has worked alongside Joshua for over a decade — joined Babcock on the “TMZ Sports” TV show (airs nightly on FS1) … and Hearn left us shocked.

“I just thought to myself, this is Jake Paul creating headlines. He’s not going to fight Anthony Joshua. And in every conversation I have with [Jake’s partner] Nikisa and MVP, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, they actually think they can beat him,'” Eddie said.

Not maybe, not in five years … next! And, if anyone would know, it’s Eddie, AJ’s rep, who is at the center of the discussions.

Does the 28-year-old Problem Child, 12-1 (with 7 KOs), and significantly smaller have a chance at beating the 35-year-old, 6’6″, 260 lb. former heavyweight champ and Olympic gold medalist?

Eddie says no way.

“This isn’t Jake Paul fighting Mike Tyson … this is AJ, sorry, Jake Paul fighting one of the most dangerous fighters, pound for pound, in the sport.”

Jake clearly feels differently.

“I think it’s wildly dangerous. I think Jake Paul is a madman. But, for some reason, he believes he can beat Anthony Joshua.”

And, EH says “[Jake] will get AJ at 100% of his best and most dangerous, so, good luck!”

Speaking of that Paul and Tyson fight, whether you loved or hated it, it was undeniably a massive event … and with 108 million viewers worldwide, the most watched fight ever.

The reign on top may be short-lived, according to Hearn.

“[Joshua vs. Paul] would be one of the biggest, you know, pay-per-view fights, the biggest. I mean, it would just be absolutely huge.”

Bottom line — it sounds like there’s a great chance AJ and Jake will soon share a ring.