British heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua is eyeing a potential matchup against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul before a much-anticipated fight against Tyson Fury in 2026, according to his promoter, Eddie Hearn. Joshua, who has not stepped into the ring since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September last year, is aiming for a return in late 2025 following recovery from elbow surgery.
Jake Paul recently claimed victories over notable fighters, including legends Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Hearn mentioned ongoing talks with Paul’s manager and Turki Alalshikh, who expressed interest in making the Joshua-Paul fight happen. Hearn stated, “Turki came in and said, ‘I’m going to make that fight’,” emphasizing his openness to facilitating the bout.
Despite this unexpected consideration, Hearn clarified that Joshua’s primary goal remains the much-anticipated clash with Tyson Fury. With Fury currently retired but hinting at a comeback, the timeline for the Joshua-Fury fight remains distant, possibly waiting until spring or summer of 2026.
Hearn remarked that while the matchup against Paul was not on their radar, the financial benefits and the possibility of Joshua showcasing his skills against Paul could make it an exciting venture. “If you want Jake Paul to be the warm-up fight for Fury – and obviously, financially, it’s a great opportunity for AJ,” Hearn noted.
It’s clear that while Hearn predicts a quick victory for Joshua if the fight occurs, he acknowledges the immense interest such a spectacle would generate among boxing fans.
As boxing continues to evolve, the prospect of unconventional matchups like Joshua vs. Paul highlights both the challenges and opportunities within the sport today. Whether or not this fight materializes, it creates a buzz and could reinvigorate Joshua’s career while attracting a new audience to the sport.