Promoter Eddie Hearn has not completely dismissed the idea of a highly profitable boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul.
The two-time former heavyweight world champion has been linked to this surprising potential contest after Paul issued a challenge earlier this year.
The two individuals have reportedly exchanged private messages, hinting at a potential fight that many find hard to believe but which could generate immense financial interest.
Paul and his promotional partner Nakisa Bidarian are scheduled to co-promote the third fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano with Hearn next week.
They plan to use this significant New York event to also meet with Joshua`s promoter to discuss the possibility of a fight occurring in 2026.
Speaking to SunSport, Hearn commented:
“I spoke to Nakisa last week. I don`t see that fight soon. I maybe don`t see it ever.”
He continued:
“You know, in this mad world, I wouldn`t rule it out because obviously the money for Jake Paul for that fight is monstrous but it comes with a huge amount of danger.”
“But I don`t think he minds the danger if it comes with the money – if that makes sense?”
“There`s no point fighting Gilberto Ramirez, there`s no point fighting Badou Jack, they`re just not gonna give him the money and he`s gonna get beat.”
“So if you`re gonna get beat, you might as well get beat for tens of millions or even more.”
Paul, aged 28, improved his boxing record to 12-1 following a victory over former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39.
After securing a comfortable ten-round points decision, he issued challenges to WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion Ramirez, 34, and WBC title holder Jack, 41.
However, Anthony Joshua was also included on Paul`s ambitious list of potential opponents. Hearn stated:
“For us it`s definitely not in our plans.”
“I mean, AJ`s never gone to me, `Oh yeah, can you chase a fight with Jake Paul please?`”
“But if it was available, what would he do? Dunno, I`d probably say to him, `Go on, go and end this geezer.`”
Joshua, 35, has been out of competitive action since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, 27, in September and has since had elbow surgery.
Meanwhile, Paul returned to the cruiserweight division after his controversial eight-round bout against 58-year-old Mike Tyson last November.
Paul, who also had a face-off with unified champion Ramirez, acknowledged that he is not a natural heavyweight but maintained his intention to face AJ.
He boasted:
“I`m definitely not a heavyweight but I`m still gonna take the challenge.”
“But you know, look at Deontay Wilder, he was beating these guys weighing 215lb.”
“Granted he`s like 6`6 or something but anything is possible and I like the challenge.”
“People`s criticism is fight someone in their prime, who`s a beast. I think people just want to see me lose! That`s really what the message is behind it all.”
“And Anthony Joshua is an insane fight, but I want that challenge. We`ve been DMing back and forth.”
Paul concluded:
“He wants to make it happen. He called me up and it`s looking very likely for next year.”
