Former two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has hinted at the possibility of a fight with Jake Paul in 2026, following a recent call-out from the American YouTuber-turned-boxer.
Paul, speaking on his BS w/ Jake Paul podcast, set his sights on Joshua after missing out on a potential May clash with Canelo Alvarez.
“I want to fight Anthony Joshua,” Paul declared.
“Because I know I will f***ng beat Anthony Joshua’s a**.”
“He doesn’t have a chin and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you, Anthony. We’re friends all this s**, but I want to fight you.”
Joshua responded to the callout by posting a photo on his Instagram story of a call between him and Paul, with the cryptic caption: “2026.”
Eddie Hearn: “AJ Would Fight Jake Paul”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed that the British-Nigerian fighter is open to the idea of facing Paul.
“I look at it and think Jake Paul against Anthony Joshua,” Hearn told Matchroom Boxing.
“For me, we’d do it for the banter. AJ would fight Jake Paul. He’d fight anyone, to be honest with you.”
“If Jake Paul wants to step up and fight Anthony Joshua he’d need the relevant insurance. The only disappointing thing was he said 2026.”
“I spoke to AJ this morning and he said, ‘Of course I’d fight him.’ Jake creates massive events.”
“You know that will create unbelievable viewership. No disrespect to Jake Paul, it’s a straightforward night’s work.”
Jake Paul’s Rise in Boxing
Paul’s controversial upcoming fight against former heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson, scheduled for November, has already generated immense interest.
According to Netflix, the bout is expected to reach 60 million households.
Paul was also rumored to be in contention for a Cinco de Mayo showdown with Canelo Alvarez, but the Mexican great instead signed a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season, starting May 3 against William Scull for the undisputed super middleweight championship.
Additionally, an exhibition bout between Paul and lightweight champion Gervonta Davis was explored, but Dan Rafael reports that it fell apart following Davis’ recent draw with Lamont Roach.
