Social media personality turned boxer Jake Paul has recently introduced a new potential opponent into the speculative mix: former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
According to Paul, discussions have taken place regarding a potential boxing match between the two, targeting a date in 2026. This comes as Paul outlines his ambitious future plans in the sport, including high-profile bouts reportedly scheduled before then.
Paul, who is currently active in the cruiserweight division (a ranking that has drawn considerable debate), stated that he has engaged in conversations with Joshua about this future encounter. He claims Joshua responded positively to the idea at one point, saying he was open to making the fight happen.
These recent claims follow Paul`s earlier, more provocative statements regarding Joshua. In early 2025, Paul publicly challenged the former champion, offering critical assessments of Joshua`s boxing attributes and asserting his own capability to secure a victory.
In contrast to Paul`s public pronouncements, Anthony Joshua`s team has maintained official silence on the matter. Reports from Joshua`s promoter suggest that these claims from Paul may be primarily intended to generate media attention and discussion, rather than reflecting concrete negotiations for a bout of this magnitude.
Anthony Joshua is presently recovering from elbow surgery following his recent loss to Daniel Dubois. He is expected to make his return to the ring in late 2025, though his opponent for that comeback fight has not yet been confirmed.
At present, a bout between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua remains firmly in the realm of hypothetical discussions and promotional conjecture. While Paul continues to position himself for major fights, and Joshua prepares for his return to the heavyweight landscape, a clash between the two is not imminent. However, as is often the case in professional boxing, future possibilities can sometimes materialize from initial speculation.
