Eddie Hearn Discusses Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul: A Controversial Showdown
Anthony Joshua has recently been warned that engaging in a fight with Jake Paul could lead him to “lose all credibility,” despite the substantial financial incentives associated with such a bout. This unexpected matchup gained traction when Paul, the social media sensation turned professional boxer, boldly called out Joshua during his podcast, sparking intrigue among fans and analysts alike.
In what seemed like an unlikely pairing, Joshua and Paul reportedly participated in a phone conversation where they tentatively agreed to enhance their already lucrative careers with a proposed fight set for 2026. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, confirmed that the former two-time heavyweight champion is open to the idea of stepping into the ring with Paul.
However, former European bantamweight champion Spencer Oliver expressed serious concerns about the implications of such a fight. On a recent talkSPORT segment, he emphasized, “If he does it now, he loses all credibility.” He elaborated, stating, “He’s a two-time world heavyweight champion looking to regain it for the third time. Don’t let Jake Paul get in the way of that. Follow the dream first. Once it’s over, entertain Jake Paul.”
Paul’s last fight saw him move up to the heavyweight division, where he controversially brought 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson out of retirement. In that bout, Paul weighed in at 227 pounds (16 stone 2 pounds), which is significantly lighter—by TWO STONE—than Joshua’s weight of 250 pounds (18 stone) before his recent knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois.
In a bold statement, Paul claimed that Joshua “doesn’t have a chin and he has no skill,” which has only fueled speculation about a potential matchup next year. Despite the allure of such a fight, Oliver pointed out the realities of the situation, stating, “One thing that Jake Paul does is draw huge numbers. There’s not a fighter that wouldn’t fight him because there’s huge money on the table, that’s the fact.”
Nevertheless, Oliver questioned the public’s interest in such a fight, stating, “But do we want to see it? No. I don’t think we could. I think… no I’m going to rephrase that, I don’t think we could see it but later rather than sooner.” He asserted that Joshua should focus on his boxing journey first, emphasizing, “He has to try to regain that world heavyweight title. Or if he doesn’t, he’s got to try to do it, and then he can entertain Jake Paul.”
In conclusion, while the prospect of Anthony Joshua fighting Jake Paul is enticing for many fans, it raises significant questions about Joshua’s legacy and priorities as he seeks to reclaim his position in the boxing world.