Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua could potentially square off YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, though promoter Eddie Hearn says reports of an imminent agreement are premature.
The reports come as Joshua, 36, continues to plot his return following his fifth-round stoppage loss to British rival Daniel Dubois in September last year. Paul, 28, has been linked to several crossover bouts, making the proposed meeting one of the most high-profile potential events in the sport.
“Everyone has jumped the gun,” said Hearn, according to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, after media outlets claimed a deal was close.
“Our focus is on 2026,” said Hearn, according to the same interview. “We have a big fight planned for February and a big fight hopefully against Tyson Fury next year. We may run out in 2025. We were just going to have a low key fight somewhere – if that is going to destroy the run of Mr Paul and make tens of millions of dollars in the process, then maybe. Nothing is confirmed yet.”
Any potential clash is expected to raise sanctioning and regulatory questions due to the fighters’ vastly different levels of experience, making an exhibition contest the most likely format.
Paul was previously scheduled to meet lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis in an exhibition bout on 14 November, but the fight was cancelled after Davis became the subject of a lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend alleging multiple offences.
