STWF Sports|Nov. 19, 2025 – In a dramatic turn of events that has reshaped the boxing landscape heading into 2026, Terence Crawford accepted an offer to fight Jake Paul—only for the YouTuber-turned-boxer to pivot and announce a blockbuster heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua instead.

What began as a scramble for a replacement opponent after Paul’s scheduled bout with Gervonta “Tank” Davis collapsed has now morphed into one of the most polarizing matchups in recent boxing memory. Paul and Joshua will step into the ring December 19 in Miami, a fight that few imagined but one that rapidly materialized behind the scenes.

Crawford Accepted—But Joshua Was the One Chosen

According to Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian, the shortlist of potential opponents ballooned to nearly 30 names once the Davis fight fell apart. Among them was undisputed super-middleweight champion Terence Crawford, who reportedly gave a full green light to face Paul.

Bidarian revealed to TMZ:

“There were probably 30 fighters who accepted to fight Jake. AJ being one of them, Crawford being another… Yes, 100% he wanted the fight.”

The key difference, according to Bidarian, was stylistic—not star power. Joshua, a natural heavyweight and former unified world champion, was chosen because Paul’s team viewed him as a more “winnable” option than facing the smaller but far more explosive Gervonta Davis.

Why Joshua Was Seen as the “More Winnable” Choice

Joshua carries the punching power and physicality that comes with being a full-sized heavyweight, but Bidarian noted that Davis presented a different kind of danger—one that Paul’s team felt was less survivable.

“It’s a dangerous fight for Jake, but more winnable than Gervonta Davis,” Bidarian said.
“Tank is smaller, but he’s fast, precise, skilled, and has serious knockout power. AJ is big and strong, but definitely slower and less skilled than Tank.”

The logic behind the matchup is unconventional, but it reflects Paul’s desire to legitimize his boxing career by taking high-risk fights—though his critics argue this matchup crosses the threshold into fantasy.

Bidarian added that Oleksandr Usyk’s circle may have played a role in getting the deal done. With Joshua spending time training alongside Usyk’s coaching team, communication lines were already open.

“Joshua was in camp with Usyk’s coaches… Usyk is definitely in the conversation here.”

Backlash Erupts as Paul vs. Joshua Draws Intense Criticism

The announcement sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with a wave of backlash following almost immediately. The fight is sanctioned as a professional bout, though many analysts—and fans—believe it should be an exhibition given the enormous disparity in size, skill, and experience.

Paul has fought at heavyweight only once, in a sloppy win over 58-year-old Mike Tyson that raised more questions than answers about his long-term future in the division. Joshua, meanwhile, is a two-time heavyweight champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and one of the most decorated fighters of the modern era.

TalkSPORT pundits questioned the integrity of sanctioning such a mismatch, while fans on social media blasted the circus-like nature of the event.

Still, whether it was Joshua or Crawford, Paul was always facing steep odds. And in making the choice to face a legitimate heavyweight star, he has positioned himself for perhaps the toughest test of his unconventional boxing journey.

What’s Next for Terence Crawford?

Crawford, meanwhile, continues to leave fans guessing. Though he accepted Paul’s offer, he has not fully committed to returning in 2026 and has openly teased retirement. Yet reports indicate the three-division world champion is gearing up for another historic leap—this time to the middleweight division (160 lbs).

A potential showdown with Janibek Alimkhanuly, one of the most avoided fighters in the sport, is reportedly targeted for March. The matchup would give Crawford the opportunity to win a world title in a fourth weight class, further solidifying his legacy as one of boxing’s greats.

Despite accepting Paul’s offer, Crawford’s future appears firmly rooted in championship ambitions—not crossover spectacle.