In the world of boxing, few figures can deliver a scathing yet oddly respectful critique quite like Eddie Hearn. The legendary Matchroom Boxing promoter, known for managing the likes of Anthony Joshua, recently delivered a 70-second verbal gem when asked about Jake Paul’s callout of Joshua—and the internet hasn’t stopped buzzing since.

Following Jake Paul’s dominant unanimous decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28, the 28-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer made headlines again by calling out Joshua—one of the most decorated British fighters of this era. It wasn’t the first time Paul expressed interest in fighting AJ, but this time, his team insists the discussions are real.

“That’s the main one we’ve talked a lot about,” said Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s longtime business partner. “Jake is adamant that he wants to make that fight happen by the end of 2026.”

That led to a direct question for Eddie Hearn during a SkySports interview on July 1. His response? A masterclass in British sarcasm, promotional genius, and candid analysis—all delivered in just over a minute.

“Is He Top 100? Maybe.” – Hearn Gives a ‘Compliment’ Only He Could Deliver

Hearn opened his answer with a surprising admission.

“I think I’ve surprised myself this week, because I actually have given [Jake Paul] the respect that I think he deserves,” Hearn said, with a hint of amusement.

But then came the sting.

“Is [Paul] top 15 in the world? Don’t be so ridiculous. But is he top 100 in the world? Maybe. And by the way, that might not sound like a compliment. That’s a big compliment!”

In classic Eddie Hearn fashion, he managed to simultaneously praise Paul’s improvement and dismiss the idea that he’s anywhere near elite-level competition. Still, the acknowledgment that Paul may be a top-100 boxer in the world—among tens of thousands of active fighters—is actually not far-fetched and possibly the most honest appraisal Paul has received from the traditional boxing establishment.

The Businessman in Hearn Sees the Bigger Picture

While Hearn’s words dripped with irony, his tone shifted when addressing the business side of the potential fight. The numbers—and the spectacle—are impossible to ignore.

“He’s a disruptor,” Hearn admitted. “He wants to create mad moments. If he wants to be mad enough to get in the ring with Anthony Joshua, and make several tens or potentially hundreds of millions, he will do it, Jake Paul.”

That’s the bottom line: money talks, and Jake Paul has shown he can deliver massive Pay-Per-View buys, media attention, and crossover appeal. Even for a promoter like Hearn, who has long been skeptical of the “celebrity boxing” wave, the commercial potential is undeniable.

Would Joshua Enter the Circus? Hearn Has Thoughts

When asked whether Anthony Joshua would accept a fight with Paul, Hearn didn’t rule it out—though not necessarily because he wants it to happen.

“Will AJ [accept]? I mean, he’s his own man,” Hearn said. “But I would be saying, ‘Hey, go on mate. Go and deal with this guy. Get him out of the game.’”

It’s a striking comment, suggesting that Joshua could serve as boxing’s gatekeeper, symbolically ending Jake Paul’s time in the ring. Whether he actually means it or not, Hearn’s tone reveals both his reluctance and his pragmatic understanding of the crazy world boxing now inhabits.

“Is it a fight that I think should be happening? No. Not really. But we live in a completely crazy world,” Hearn concluded.

Jake Paul’s Response? Likely Amusement—and Motivation

Jake Paul, who has built his career on defying expectations and embracing criticism, is unlikely to be fazed by Hearn’s remarks. If anything, this is exactly the kind of media attention he craves—a chance to provoke traditional boxing voices while angling for mega-fights against the sport’s most revered figures.

His team’s confidence in making the Joshua fight by late 2026 signals a long-term plan that includes bulking up to heavyweight and possibly taking on a few more seasoned opponents before facing AJ.

And with every skeptical comment from boxing’s elite, Paul’s brand grows.

Boxing’s New Age: Promotion Meets Provocation

The real genius behind Hearn’s 70-second soundbite is how perfectly it encapsulates the contradictions of modern boxing:

Jake Paul isn’t a legitimate title contender, but he is good enough to warrant conversation.

Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul shouldn’t happen on merit, but financially, it could be historic.

Hearn doesn’t endorse it—but he knows it might be inevitable.

This is the new reality of boxing, where meritocracy and entertainment increasingly overlap. Hearn’s remarks serve not only as a roast but as a roadmap. The sport, after all, thrives on tension—between legacy and showbiz, purists and promoters, champions and clout chasers.

Conclusion: Hearn’s 70-Second Statement Is the Blueprint for Boxing in 2025

Eddie Hearn may have laughed through the interview, but every word carried weight. Jake Paul is not going away, and the boxing world, reluctantly or not, continues to embrace his presence.

In just over a minute, Hearn managed to:

Acknowledge Jake Paul’s legitimacy (sort of),

Dismiss his elite ambitions (with flair),

Recognize the financial reality (without flinching), and

Admit the madness of modern boxing.

In doing so, he may have unintentionally done more to promote Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua than anyone else so far.