STWF| LONDON| Nov. 9, 2025 — Eddie Hearn has revealed that discussions are underway for a potential blockbuster fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, in what would be one of the most sensational — and controversial — boxing events in recent memory.

The Matchroom Sport chairman confirmed to ESPN that preliminary talks have taken place regarding the proposed clash, which could see the former two-time world heavyweight champion face off against the YouTuber-turned-boxer who has made a name for himself by shocking the boxing world since turning professional.

While Hearn insisted that Joshua’s main focus remains a return to the top of the heavyweight division — with Tyson Fury still the ultimate target — he didn’t rule out a lucrative showdown with Paul as a possible “run-out” fight.

“If we are going to have a run-out fight, why not run out against Jake Paul for a lot of money?” Hearn said. “There are ongoing conversations there. I can’t tell you that it’s close or that we’ve seen a contract. But if he really wants to fight Joshua, I don’t see why we wouldn’t have a chance to do that fight.”

Joshua vs Paul: Fantasy or Future Reality?

The prospect of Joshua vs Paul first surfaced earlier this year when reports emerged in August that negotiations had begun. At the time, promoters on both sides were said to be exploring potential venues, though concerns were raised about hosting the event in Britain due to regulatory and broadcast complications.

Jake Paul, 27, was originally slated to fight Gervonta Davis in a catchweight bout before the contest was canceled. Since then, the American entertainer-turned-fighter has expressed an increasing desire to face high-profile names.

“It’s the most dangerous fight for me right now,” Paul told ESPN earlier this year, acknowledging the risk of facing Joshua, one of boxing’s most formidable heavyweights.

Despite Paul’s confidence, Hearn has publicly warned him to think twice.

“Be careful what you wish for,” Hearn said in a prior interview. “Joshua is a different animal — this isn’t influencer boxing, this is elite-level heavyweight fighting. One right hand and it’s over.”

Still, the potential financial windfall from such a fight could be astronomical. Joshua remains one of the sport’s biggest global draws, and Paul’s massive online following guarantees crossover appeal. For promoters, it’s the perfect blend of sport and spectacle — one that could break pay-per-view records.

AJ’s Comeback and Future Plans

Joshua’s career remains in a transitional phase following his stunning knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024 — a loss that derailed his bid to return to the top of the heavyweight mountain.

Since then, the 34-year-old has returned to training, and Hearn insists that his client is laser-focused on an active 2025.

“I don’t know if he will fight in 2025. There is a good chance that he can,” Hearn said. “But when I say that, people start analyzing every potential venue. He has started training camp and he’s looking to fight. Whether that’s in February, whether that’s against Jake Paul, or whether it’s on one of our existing shows, anything is possible at this stage.”

Joshua’s name has been linked with several possible opponents — from Deontay Wilder to Zhilei Zhang — but Hearn acknowledged that uncertainty around heavyweight politics, particularly with Fury’s ongoing negotiations, has forced his camp to keep all options open.

“Our focus is still on a charge to the world heavyweight championship and at Tyson Fury,” Hearn reiterated. “But we can’t control that either.”

Jake Paul’s Push for Legitimacy

For Jake Paul, who boasts a 10–1 professional record, the idea of facing Joshua represents the ultimate test — and an opportunity to prove his legitimacy to boxing purists.

Since defeating former UFC fighters like Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva, Paul has increasingly angled for bouts against professional boxers. He has trained under Shane Mosley and built a credible team around him, but a fight against Joshua would represent a leap from novelty bouts to elite competition.

“I want to fight real boxers now,” Paul has said. “I want to test myself against the best.”

Whether the fight actually materializes remains to be seen, but the mere suggestion has already sent shockwaves through the sport. Boxing traditionalists view it as a gimmick, while promoters see it as a cash cow — a crossover event with the potential to capture mainstream audiences.

What’s Next for AJ and Hearn

While fans debate the merits of Joshua vs Paul, Hearn hinted that a decision about Joshua’s next fight could be made in the coming weeks. The promoter has teased multiple potential venues, joking that speculation over “Stockton, Birmingham, or even Ghana” has gotten out of hand.

Still, for all the noise surrounding potential opponents, one thing is clear: Anthony Joshua is ready to return, and the boxing world is watching closely.

As for Jake Paul, if he truly wants to share the ring with one of Britain’s finest heavyweights, he might just get his wish — but as Eddie Hearn warned, “be careful what you wish for.”