Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul could possibly be the final battle of Paul’s transient boxing profession.
Following his win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. this previous Saturday, Paul talked about the potential of establishing a future battle with Joshua. This isn’t the primary time Paul has mentioned desirous to face the two-time undisputed heavyweight champion and the bout would undoubtedly draw widespread curiosity as a result of their mixed star energy.
Talking to talkSPORT, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn supported the potential matchup, although he’s undecided will probably be Paul’s greatest pursuits health-wise.
“Look, he’s calling out Gervonta Davis, who’s a 135-pound light-weight, and he’s calling out Anthony Joshua, that’s a heavyweight monster,” Hearn mentioned. “I feel Jake Paul is loopy sufficient to battle Anthony Joshua as a result of the cash can be completely obscene. It’s a catastrophic mismatch that folks would tune in to look at as a result of it could result in the top of Jake Paul. Hopefully, not actually, but it surely’s that harmful.
“It’s a battle that I don’t assume ought to actually occur if I’m trustworthy.”
Paul is 12-1 since making his professional boxing debut in 2020 and he’s compiled a powerful record of wins, a minimum of so far as identify worth is anxious. Although “The Drawback Baby” is but to step into the ring in opposition to any notable present boxers, he has booked himself in opposition to recognizable names from the world of fight sports activities, particularly former UFC stars Nate Diaz, Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, Mike Perry, and Ben Askren, defeating all of them.
The most important feather in his cap—and essentially the most closely criticized of his alternative of opposition—was a battle with heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, which aired dwell on Netflix this previous November. Paul gained a unanimous choice over the 58-year-old Tyson in a bout that was broadly maligned but in addition broke viewership information.
Hearn believes Paul deserves respect for his growth within the ring, no matter who he’s been preventing.
“I’ll say about Jake Paul, I do assume you begin having to provide him a margin of respect,” Hearn mentioned. “This man goes by way of the motions, he’s placing the laborious spars in, he simply went 10 rounds with, sure, a washed-up fighter, however a former world champion that did prepare for that battle. They’re very intelligent by way of the opponents they choose. They’re not going to gamble except the cash is uncontrolled and it wouldn’t shock me if Jake Paul wished to maneuver ahead with an Anthony Joshua battle.”
Joshua (28-4) is coming off of a disappointing knockout loss to Daniel Dubois this previous September. The loss snapped a four-fight win streak for Joshua, who was making an attempt to take Dubois’ IBF title. The British star has dabbled in novelty fights himself, most notably scoring an unbelievable knockout of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in March 2024.
It’s unclear if Joshua will try and work his manner again to a different title alternative or pursue a bout with Paul.
“He’s not precisely taking a look at Jake Paul going, ‘That’s my dream opponent,’” Hearn mentioned of Joshua. “Would he go in there and provides him a hiding for a large chunk of cash? Most likely. I’ll be saying, ‘Yeah, go on. I’d prefer to see it.’”
This week, the WBA determined to incorporate Paul in its cruiserweight rankings, inserting the influencer-turned-boxer at No. 14 on their record. Hearn doesn’t assume Paul has confirmed to be at that degree simply but, however he has impressed particularly given his late begin.
“I feel quite a lot of these governing our bodies, though they’re governing our bodies, a few of them are type of commercially led,” Hearn mentioned. “They assume it’s going to learn them to have Jake Paul of their rankings. I feel Jake Paul is within the prime 100 on the planet within the cruiserweight division and by the way in which, I don’t assume that’s an terrible achievement given the very fact this man discovered boxing in his mid-20s and I feel he’s doing properly. I feel he’s bettering.
“Is he world class? Completely not. However he’s bettering and he’s quite a bit higher than quite a lot of fighters on the market, so in a manner, good luck. Can’t imagine I’ve mentioned it, however in a manner, good luck.”
