Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight back in play? Promoter Eddie Hearn reveals surprising new twist

A potential boxing spectacle between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is quickly gaining traction. While the matchup may have seemed implausible just months ago, the current heavyweight landscape has made the unexpected look increasingly real.

With elite names like Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and Joseph Parker tied up in other commitments, Joshua is reportedly eyeing an unconventional opponent—YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. According to Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn, both camps are aligned in timing, making the bout more realistic than ever.

“This is very real,” Hearn told The Ring Magazine. “I had a good chat for about an hour with Nakisa [Bidarian] on Wednesday, and now I believe they want the fight, I really do… because of the size of the fight, it leads me to believe there’s a very good chance it could happen.”

Could Jake Paul really step into the ring with a former heavyweight champion?

Since entering the boxing world, Jake Paul has consistently drawn attention with bold callouts and ambitious declarations. From challenging Canelo Alvarez to targeting legends like Mike Tyson, his sights have only gotten higher. Now, the 28-year-old appears fixated on Anthony Joshua, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist and former unified heavyweight world champion.

Paul’s camp, represented by Nakisa Bidarian, recently held in-depth talks with Hearn. While acknowledging the risk, they expressed genuine interest. “Jake truly believes he can win the fight, or at least be competitive,” Hearn said, suggesting that this is more than a publicity stunt—it’s a fight in active planning.

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Could this be the biggest crossover fight in boxing history?

Despite the weight class disparity—Joshua weighing over 252 lbs in his last outing and Paul under 200—both sides see market potential. Paul, fresh off wins over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Mike Tyson, continues to build credibility. Meanwhile, Joshua is coming off a loss to Daniel Dubois and is seeking a meaningful comeback opportunity.

For Hearn and Matchroom, the commercial viability is undeniable. “It’s 50-50 right now,” Hearn stated. “A very positive conversation” has opened the door to what could be a massive box office draw. With no concrete date set, talks will continue in the coming weeks.