Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua: Deal not yet done but reports suggest prize pot would reach £140million
Jake Paul could meet Anthony Joshua in the ring
A fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is a possibility before the end of 2025 but Eddie Hearn claims talks of a deal being done are premature.
Joshua, the former world heavyweight champion, is set to meet YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul later this year with two dates either side of Christmas lined up.
Discussions are ongoing but Joshua’s promoter Hearn said no contract has yet been signed.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: “Our focus is on 2026. We have a big fight planned for February and a big fight hopefully against Tyson Fury next year.
“We may run out in 2025. We were just going to have a low key fight somewhere – if that is going to destroy the run of Mr Paul and make tens of millions of dollars in the process, then maybe. Nothing is confirmed yet.”
Davis fight cancelled, leaving door open for Joshua
A meeting with Joshua would represent a major step up in class for Paul.
The American was due to fight lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis tomorrow but the exhibition bout was cancelled after Davis’ ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit that accused him of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Paul’s only previous experience of fighting a heavyweight was 12 months ago when he beat then 58-year-old Mike Tyson on points.
The Daily Mail have reported this morning there would be a £140million prize pot on offer should Joshua face Paul, most likely in Miami. The fight would be linked to a Netflix documentary on the Briton.
Hearn added to the Mail: “It is not done yet There has been a lot of gun jumping on this. I think Jake Paul would be mad to take the fight but we are in talks. We were discussing a very low-key fight for AJ but an opportunity has come up to make 50 times more money. People who criticise it have to be honest: what would you do in AJ’s shoes?”
Joshua is a former IBF, WBO and WBA world champion but has not fought since a crushing defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley last September.