Negotiations for a Historic Boxing Match
Negotiations are underway for a boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, potentially marking a historic payday for Joshua, as discussions heat up for a bout slated in 2026. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, hinted that this fight could likely be next on the agenda for the two-time heavyweight champion, who boasts a record of 32 professional bouts, compared to Paul’s 13 matches.
Legitimacy of the Matchup
Initially skeptical about the legitimacy of the matchup, Hearn has come to realize that Paul is serious about competing against Joshua, stating,
“At first I thought it was a publicity stunt from Jake, but the more I engage with them, the clearer it becomes that Jake believes he can overcome Anthony Joshua.”
He cautioned Paul, remarking,
“This is a serious sport — it’s not a game like YouTube or Disney; it’s the danger zone.”
Fight Conditions and Safety Concerns
Both camps have dismissed the possibility of including peculiar conditions within the fight, as seen in Paul’s previous match against a long-retired Mike Tyson. That bout included larger gloves and reduced rounds, raising some safety concerns that this new fight aims to avoid. Nakisa Bidarian, the CEO of Most Valuable Promotions, which Paul co-founded, emphasized that this fight would be treated as a professional contest.
“I see a significant experience gap in their careers, but Joshua remains an active heavyweight, which increases the risk for Jake,”
he noted.
He further expressed a desire for Paul to continue refining his skills to better counteract Joshua’s punch power, suggesting that they might wait longer before finalizing the match. However, Bidarian acknowledged that opportunities in boxing are fleeting and that sometimes one must seize the moment.
Community Reactions and Recent Events
Hearn also pointed out that the boxing community might react negatively to this fight, particularly given recent tragic events in Japan where super-featherweight fighter Shigetoshi Kotari died from injuries sustained in a match.
Paul’s Boxing Journey and Future Aspirations
While Paul has transitioned from YouTube to boxing, facing several former MMA athletes and competing at cruiserweight, he experienced his only defeat against Tommy Fury. Despite his ambition to become a world champion, Hearn cast doubt on its feasibility, asserting,
“Do I think he’ll go and win world titles? Nope, never.”
Comparisons and Financial Implications
On comparing this potential fight to ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou‘s boxing debut, Bidarian stated,
“Ngannou first faced Tyson Fury, who many consider a superior boxer to Joshua, and he went all ten rounds without being knocked out, but eventually he faced Joshua and got overwhelmed.”
Regarding financial implications, both Hearn and Bidarian predicted that if completed, the Joshua-Paul bout could take place in front of as many as 72,000 fans in a U.S. stadium. Joshua’s previous earnings are kept under wraps, yet his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in 2022 is believed to have garnered him around £40 million. Hearn commented on the lucrative opportunity,
“This could likely be one of Joshua’s largest paydays, perhaps even his easiest fight, highlighting the unusual market dynamics in this scenario.”
