The two stars have recently talked up a potential super-fight in 2026, witb the YouTuber-turned-boxer serious about stepping in the ring with ‘AJ’

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul have been tipped to go head-to-head next year(Image: Getty Images for Netflix © 2024)

Anthony Joshua has been told that a showdown with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul would be “five times bigger” than a potential fight with Tyson Fury.

The two-time heavyweight world champion hasn’t fought since suffering a devastating knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois last September. With his future seemingly at a crossroads, it looked as if ‘AJ’ would finally settle the score with the ‘Gypsy King’ this year. However, Fury shocked the boxing world back in January after announcing his retirement from the sport.

As for Paul, the social media sensation hasn’t fought since defeating Mike Tyson last November. The American was tipped to fight Canelo Alvarez next month, but the Mexican instead opted to pen a four-fight deal with Riyadh Season. With Paul on the look out for a new opponent, he shockingly called out Joshua. Speaking on his series, BS w/ Jake Paul last month, the 28-year-old said: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s a**.”

Joshua then teased a fight with the YouTube star after the Brit phoned Paul in response to the American’s call-out. With the rumours heating up, Paul’s co-promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, has labelled a potential clash between the aforementioned stars as of the biggest things his client would’ve ever done in their career.

Speaking to The Sun, he said: “Ultimately Jake versus Joshua is three, four or five times bigger than Joshua versus Fury, easily. Not in the UK, the UK I think they’re similar. But on a global basis, it’s not even in the realm of the same conversation in terms of magnitude, scale, reach, interest, viewership, it would just blow it away.

“Joshua and Fury are not relevant in the US, meaning the hardcore boxing community will pay attention, but it’s not a moment where mainstream culture stops and pays attention to it. In the UK, absolutely but you’ll have that with Jake and Joshua as well.”

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has insisted that no commission would ever sign off on the fight. However, Bidarian has revealed that the pair’s camps have been in contact about a potential clash. “I won’t get into what they discussed, but yes, I’m fully aware of the multiple conversations they’ve had and a desire to fight each other in 2026. I saw Eddie Hearn made a comment around ‘Why 2026? Why not in 2025? It’s just clickbait.’ No, it’s not clickbait,” he continued.

“Jake realises he needs some more in-ring experience to be in the best position to hold his own against Anthony Joshua. So we’re not rushing into a fight against Joshua. We’re not financially dependent on Jake having a fight against Anthony Joshua for 2025 for our business to flourish.”

Many within the combat sports community were left stunned by Paul’s comments – even the American’s older brother Logan was in complete shock. On a recent plane journey, the WWE star was left gobsmacked as he quizzed his brother with the blunt question: “When you called out Anthony Joshua, were you on cocaine?” The 28-year-old replied: “No, I don’t do that thing” but then quipped: “But I would if you’ve got some.”

The conversation soon escalated when ‘The Maverick’ asked: “Why did you do that?” ‘The Problem Child’ openly shared his goal before taking a subtle dig at Joshua. “To be the heavyweight champion of the world. His chin has gone.” His sibling quickly interrupted, reminding him: “But he’s still Anthony Joshua!” Yet Paul didn’t hold back, delivering another slicing verbal jab at the Brit: “Which is stiff, no rhythm, no skill, just no power.”

‘The Maverick’ was then quick to question the seriousness of the challenge: “You’re serious about fighting him?” Paul, brimming with confidence, confirmed: “Yeah, it’s in 2026, we already talked.” As the conversation wrapped up, the WWE star couldn’t help but praise his younger brother’s ambitious plan. “Congrats on having such massive balls and being super rich,” he remarked.