Joshua set for potential showdown with Jake Paul in early 2026, says Eddie Hearn
Promoter Eddie Hearn reveals ongoing negotiations for a high-stakes Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul clash in early 2026 that could yield Joshua his biggest payday.
Anthony Joshua could face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in early 2026, potentially earning a record payday, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Two-time heavyweight champion Joshua (32 professional fights) and Paul (13 bouts) are in talks for a high-profile bout in the United States. While Hearn initially dismissed the idea as PR, discussions have convinced him Paul believes he can defeat the Briton.
"This isn't a game or a stunt," Hearn told INLIBER Sport. "It's a real fight with real risks." Unlike Paul's exhibition with 58-year-old Mike Tyson—held under special rules—both sides plan a standard professional contest.
Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, insists safety won't be compromised. "This will be a straight professional fight," he said, noting the experience gap but stressing Paul's commitment to improving his skills.
Hearn acknowledged concerns over mixing boxers and influencers, pointing to the recent death of Shigetoshi Kotari in Japan as a sobering reminder of boxing's dangers. Paul has faced several MMA crossovers and suffered one defeat, to Tommy Fury.
Despite Paul's aspirations, few insiders believe he can claim a world title. "Winning a belt? I don't see it happening," Hearn added.
Potential Earnings
The fight is likely to take place in a major U.S. stadium. With Joshua previously drawing huge crowds in the UK and Paul filling venues like AT&T Stadium, the event could surpass Joshua's reported £40m haul from his 2022 rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.
"This might be AJ's easiest opponent yet his biggest payday," Hearn said. "The more dangerous the bout, the higher the purse—but here we have the opposite."
Joshua vs Paul would merge the sport’s traditional heavyweight elite with influencer-driven boxing at a time when paydays and publicity are breaking new ground in the sport.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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