Boxing Dec 07, 2025

Jake Paul reveals he's trying 'to make AJ fight happen' with talks still ongoing

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Jake Paul reveals he's trying 'to make AJ fight happen' with talks still ongoing

Jake Paul revealed talks are continuing for a potential fight with Anthony Joshua next year.

It's an improbable match-up considering the social media star is an inexperienced professional fighter and much the smaller man.

Joshua in contrast is not only an Olympic gold medallist but a former two-time unified heavyweight world champion.

AJ hasn't boxed since his 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois but his team are considering comeback plans and his options for next year.

Discussions are taking place with Jake Paul, who insists it is a plausible bout to make.

"100 per cent it can happen," Paul told SportNews. "Our teams are already talking and in the works to try and make it happen for next year."

That is the fight he is targeting next. "It would be fun to take on Anthony Joshua after this fight [against Gervonta Davis on November 14]," he said.

"Take a massive risk and a massive challenge and to go into a fight where no one thinks that I would even have the slightest chance of winning, that excites me."

Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, hasn't ruled out a fight with Paul but he said: "I can't make that fight until you've fought Gervonta Davis in this exhibition.

"If you get chinned by Gervonta Davis, don't think you're fighting Anthony Joshua, it's ridiculous. We'd rather they didn't take that fight if we're going to make the [AJ] fight," Hearn previously told SportNews.

"We're certainly not holding out for a Jake Paul fight. We're making our own plans and that will be January [or] February 2026."

Paul also believes he could snare a world title shot at cruiserweight against WBC champion Badou Jack.

"I would say it's very likely. The stars just have to align and he has a fight coming up and has to win that, etc," Paul told SportNews.

"People always have something to say," he added. "It's really not the recognition that I yearn for.

"At the end of the day, I just want to become world champion and win fights and go on about my life."

If he doesn't fight Jake Paul, SportNews' Andy Scott considered what Joshua's other options are...

Hearn confirmed Joshua would like a warm-up fight before attempting to make the much-anticipated Tyson Fury grudge match in 2026.

In no particular order, lets pick out some of the possible candidates for a tune-up fight:

Guido Vianello: The Italian is fresh off the back of a win over unbeaten Canadian Alexis Barriere and boasts a win over Arslanbek Makhmudov. He also has a solid profile stateside. At 6ft 6in tall he could act as a good warm-up for Fury.

Arslanbek Makhmudov: The Russian Lion received an Instagram message from AJ offering him a fight if he overcame Dave Allen, which he did. He has only been beaten by Agit Kabayel and Vianello and punches hard with 19 KOs in 21 wins.

Justis Huni: A Matchroom promotional stablemate of AJ, the Australian was in complete control against Fabio Wardley at Portman Road before the Brit found the shot to close the show.

Joe Joyce: The "Big Juggernaut" hasn't fought since losing out to Filip Hrgovic in April and is towards the end of his career, but the fight would pit two GB Olympic medallists together.

Deontay Wilder: He has the profile and the name but his recent form has been poor. Would Wilder work as a 'warm-up fight' financially? That's also a question worth pondering.

Tony Yoka: One of the names that swirled around the internet just a few months ago when Joshua was linked to a fight in Ghana. The Frenchman won Olympic gold and trains under Don Charles, despite his amateur capabilities his pro career hasn't matched his potential.

Tags:

boxing news id:13461234

Share this article

Related Posts

Conor Benn signs to Dana White and Zuffa Boxing for 'legacy fights' after splitting from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom

Conor Benn signs to Dana White and Zuffa Boxing for 'legacy fights' after splitting from Eddie Hearn's Matchroom

Conor Benn has signed to Dana White and Zuffa Boxing, saying he wants "legacy fights" and "the biggest stages".The 29-year-old had been with Eddie Hea...

Tyson Fury: Oleksandr Usyk will be begging me for trilogy by end of year! 'Without belts, I'm still the man'

Tyson Fury: Oleksandr Usyk will be begging me for trilogy by end of year! 'Without belts, I'm still the man'

Tyson Fury believes he will set a third fight with Oleksandr Usyk before the year is out.Fury and Usyk have met in two memorable heavyweight contests,...

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight could still happen | 'That's all about timing,' says promoter Frank Warren

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua fight could still happen | 'That's all about timing,' says promoter Frank Warren

There was a plan for Tyson Fury to fight Anthony Joshua later this year after both had warm-up bouts first.That of course was shelved after Joshua was...

Leigh Wood: Rematch with 'very delusional' Josh Warrington could be my last fight | 'I know exactly what I need to do'

Leigh Wood: Rematch with 'very delusional' Josh Warrington could be my last fight | 'I know exactly what I need to do'

Leigh Wood has revealed he could retire after his next fight, a rematch with Josh Warrington.Nottingham's Wood has had a long professional career that...

Moses Itauma would 'love a shot' at Oleksandr Usyk, but why would he want to fight a 21-year-old?

Moses Itauma would 'love a shot' at Oleksandr Usyk, but why would he want to fight a 21-year-old?

Rising heavyweight phenom Moses Itauma would welcome a fight with the best in the division, Oleksandr Usyk.But Itauma, only 21 years old and already t...

Tyson Fury to train himself for Arslanbek Makhmudov comeback fight: 'That might be the end. I might retire again!'

Tyson Fury to train himself for Arslanbek Makhmudov comeback fight: 'That might be the end. I might retire again!'

Tyson Fury is returning to boxing for what could be the final run of his celebrated career.He will box hard-punching contender Arslanbek Makhmudov on...