Anthony Joshua, the two-time heavyweight world champion, has emerged in headlines following talks of a sensational bout against YouTube-star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, fueled by comments from promoter Eddie Hearn. Industry insiders and major outlets confirm that, while no contract has been signed, the camps are indeed in negotiation, and boxing fans worldwide are watching closely to see if this extraordinary crossover will come to fruition.
Background: Anthony Joshua and His Career
Anthony Joshua, widely recognised for his athletic prowess and two former world heavyweight titles, has seen both triumphant highs and devastating lows. His last outing resulted in a surprise stoppage loss to British rival Daniel Dubois in September 2024, which momentarily stalled his momentum towards another title shot. However, Joshua’s name remains a staple in discussions of high-profile fights, with a future showdown against Tyson Fury still considered the “mega fight” in the heavyweight boxing world.
Jake Paul’s Entry into Boxing
Jake Paul, originally famous for his social media influence, has successfully transitioned into a boxing career, attracting massive audiences and lucrative deals. His recent contest against 58-year-old Mike Tyson on Netflix drew more than 100 million viewers, showcasing his unique ability to blend entertainment with genuine combat sports credibility. Paul’s pursuit of legitimate boxing recognition is now focused on the heavyweight ranks, with Anthony Joshua representing a significant challenge.
How did the Joshua v Paul Talks begin?
Negotiations reportedly intensified after a planned Jake Paul exhibition against Gervonta Davis was cancelled due to legal controversies. With Paul left searching for a high-profile opponent, the Joshua camp became a logical (though nonetheless shocking) candidate. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, confirmed the discussions, noting that they were initiated as a potential “run-out fight” for Joshua, a way to return to ring activity without the intense scrutiny of a title bout. However, due to the immense earning potential and global attention, the fight rapidly shifted from a low-key proposal to the biggest “event” possible.
Will the Fight Actually Happen?
Hearn’s statements across media channels are measured but open-ended. He claims, “It is not done yet. There has been a lot of gun jumping on this. I think Jake Paul would be mad to take the fight, but we are in talks.” Adding to the intrigue, Hearn remarked that a professionally sanctioned fight, not an exhibition, is likely, with Joshua potentially earning upwards of £70 million for the occasion. Yet, he insists that nothing is close to being signed.
Obstacles exist: differences in broadcasting deals (DAZN for Joshua, Netflix for Paul), significant weight disparities, Joshua fights at around 252 lbs, while Paul’s career-best is 200 lbs, and the question of competitive legitimacy, given Joshua’s skill and experience dwarfs Paul’s.
Public and Industry Reaction
The proposed clash has caused widespread debate:
- Boxing purists view the fight as a “farce of a warm-up” for Joshua’s anticipated Fury showdown, arguing it risks demeaning his legacy.
- Others understand the financial motivation, citing potential payouts of $50 million for Joshua and the unparalleled exposure that comes with Paul’s social media reach.
- Promoters from both camps see value, with Hearn noting, “People who criticise it have to be honest: what would you do in AJ’s shoes?”.
What’s Next for Joshua?
Regardless of the outcome, Joshua’s immediate goal is to return to a competitive rhythm. Hearn stated the focus is “not about money, it’s about regaining that feel for the ring,” sparking speculation that a tune-up bout would occur prior to a major title fight in 2026.
Joshua has also been observed training with other notable fighters’ camps, such as Oleksandr Usyk and Canelo Alvarez, suggesting an ongoing search for improvement and strategy. The final decision on opponent, date, and coaching team remains pending, adding to the cloud of mystery surrounding his next move.
Why This Fight Could Matter
If secured, a Joshua-Paul fight would:
- Bridge a chasm between mainstream sports and influencer-driven entertainment.
- Draw record-breaking streaming audiences on platforms like Netflix, dominating sports media for weeks and delivering massive revenues.
- Challenge the norms of boxing matchmaking, testing the boundaries of what constitutes sport versus spectacle.
Potential Long-Term Impact
A match of this magnitude could shift the business model of heavyweight boxing, making cross-discipline mega-events more common. Traditionalists fear for the sport’s purity, but many see opportunity in the expanded reach, particularly among younger audiences.
For Joshua, victory would be expected. His subsequent big-ticket fight with Tyson Fury next year is likely to overshadow any contest with Paul, preserving his pursuit of a legacy should he succeed.