Former two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has hinted at the possibility of a blockbuster fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer, Jake Paul in 2026. This comes after Paul recently called out the British-Nigerian boxer, making bold claims about his ability to defeat him inside the ring.

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During an episode of his BS w/ Jake Paul podcast, the American social media star-turned-professional fighter expressed his desire to take on Joshua, despite not securing a highly anticipated May showdown with Mexican boxing icon, Canelo Alvarez.

  

Paul, who has built a reputation for challenging high-profile opponents, did not hold back in his remarks about Joshua.

  

“I want to fight Anthony Joshua,” Paul stated emphatically.

  

“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 and all this s**, but I want to fight you.”

  

Joshua, who is known for his calm demeanor, responded subtly by sharing a photo on his Instagram story of a FaceTime call between himself and Paul, with a cryptic caption that simply read: “2026.”

  

Eddie Hearn: “AJ Would Fight Jake Paul”

  

  

  

British-Nigerian Heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua.  

  

Joshua’s long-time promoter, Eddie Hearn, has now added more fuel to the speculation, stating that Joshua would be open to the idea of fighting Paul.

  

Speaking to Matchroom Boxing, Hearn acknowledged the potential for a fight between the two, citing Paul’s ability to generate significant hype and global attention.

  

“I look at it and think Jake Paul against Anthony Joshua,” Hearn said.

  

“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, but it’s a straightforward night’s work.”

  

Jake Paul’s Meteoric Rise in Boxing

  

  

  

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul slugging. Photo | X  

  

Since making his professional boxing debut, Jake Paul has continuously surprised the combat sports world by securing high-profile fights against former UFC champions, ex-boxers, and even a match against boxing legend Mike Tyson.

  

His upcoming fight with Tyson, scheduled for November, has already captured widespread attention, with streaming giant Netflix confirming that the event is projected to reach 60 million households.

  

Paul was also linked to a potential Cinco de Mayo showdown with Canelo Alvarez. However, the Mexican superstar instead finalized a lucrative four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, with his first bout set for May 3 against William Scull for the undisputed super middleweight championship.

  

Additionally, reports surfaced about a possible exhibition match between Paul and reigning lightweight champion Gervonta Davis. However, according to boxing journalist Dan Rafael, those negotiations fell apart following Davis’ recent controversial draw with Lamont Roach.

  

While Jake Paul has continued to defy expectations in the boxing world, a potential bout with Anthony Joshua in 2026 would represent a monumental challenge, as the former heavyweight champion is vastly more experienced than any of Paul’s previous opponents.

  

Whether this fight will materialize remains to be seen, but the ongoing speculation and interest suggest that if it does, it could be one of the biggest events in crossover boxing history.