The gloves might be off in a metaphorical sense, but they could soon be back on in a physical one as Jake Paul dances closer to his next big boxing fight. Jake "The Problem Child" Paul first stepped in the ring to take on Deji Olatunji back in 2018, and while many people’s fighting wishlist includes him taking on KSI, a rematch with Mike Tyson, or squaring up against his own brother (Logan), his next opponent could be none of the above.
Millions tuned in to watch Jake Paul take on Mike Tyson in November 2024, and with it reportedly making the YouTube star a jaw-dropping $40 million, we're sure he'd like to add a few more noughts to his bank balance.
Despite being trolled by a supposed retirement statement, rumors of Paul's next massive bout have swirled since he bested Tyson with an 80-72, 79-73, and 79-73 score. Paul wasn't short of potential rivals, with the likes of MMA fighter Jake Shields and Antonio Tarver Sr. throwing their hats into the ring. Mythical fights between Paul and Canelo Álvarez have failed to materialize, and while Paul was victorious against Julio César Chávez Jr. in June 2025, the rumor mill won't stop whirring when it comes to who's next.
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There are continued reports that Paul could duke it out with Anthony Joshua. Seeing Paul take on the former two-time unified WBO, IBF, and WBA heavyweight champion would be one for the ages, with British sports promoter Eddie Hearn stating it would be the "biggest fight in boxing history"...at least commercially.
Speaking to The Stomping Ground, Hearn claimed Joshua vs Paul is in the 'advanced' stages of negotiation, with him convinced it will go ahead.
Hearn explained: "I would say advanced is probably the word that click baiters would use...I never really expected this fight to happen, but the more conversations I have, honestly, the more I think there’s a very good chance it could happen."
As for Paul's stance, Hearn continued: "I believe Jake Paul wants the fight. Don't ask me why, but he believes he can win the fight."
Looking at Paul's chances, Hearn warned: "That's even more dangerous to be honest with you, because you can go in and think, 'Well, you know, if I start getting hurt, then there's always...' No, he's convinced he beats Anthony Joshua."
Saying you should be careful what you wish for, Hearn reiterated, "This is not what you're used to, but look, respect for taking on the challenge, and we'll see if it ends up coming off."
In terms of financials, Hearn responded to Frank Smith, suggesting that Joshua vs. Paul would be bigger than Joshua vs. Tyson Fury, musing: "Look, numbers-wise, probably. Obviously, for boxing, AJ-Fury is the one, but I do understand that commercially, this is probably the biggest fight in boxing."
Hearn thinks that Paul will exit boxing after the fight, concluding: "I think it will mean that Jake Paul will leave the sport forever because I don't think he'll ever step back in a ring after he gets chinned by Anthony Joshua.”
Even if things do keep moving forward, it's unlikely that Joshua vs. Paul would be licensed in the United Kingdom as a professional fight, with organisers having to apply to the British Boxing Board of Control for it even to be considered.
That doesn't matter to Hearn, who thinks the fight would probably happen in the USA.