The ‘Problem Child’ has provided a major update on the potential heavyweight showdown after the two boxers agreed to a fight next year
YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul has expressed confidence in arranging a fight with two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
The social media star grabbed the headlines earlier this year after he openly challenged Joshua on his YouTube channel ‘BS with Jake Paul,’ stating: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s a**. He doesn’t have a chin and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you, Anthony, we’re friends and all this s*** but I want to fight you. I will beat Canelo, I will beat a lot of f***ing people.”
Following their exchange, the pair promptly agreed over the phone to a future fight. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Paul provided the latest on a potential clash between the two boxing stars. “Yeah, we talked on the phone for like ten minutes and we’re both down. I said 2026 and he was like, ‘Alright, let’s get it,'” he said.
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“We’re gonna make it happen so I think that’s going to be a mega-fight next year and something fun to test my skills at heavyweight. But I think his chin’s gone and especially if he fights another time or two in between the end of 2026. I love Anthony, he’s always supported me, I’ve always supported him but I just do believe I can beat him in a fight.”
Joshua has confirmed he won’t be stepping back into the ring until December at the earliest. ‘AJ’, hasn’t fought since his shocking fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September. Speaking to ESPN about his plans, Joshua stated: “December, I’ll fight again. That’s when I want to fight again. I want to take some time and then I’ll go in December.”
When quizzed about his British rival Tyson Fury, Joshua responded: “Don’t worry about him, he says a lot of stuff. I just want to get my body feeling good and my mind is going to be right and then I’ll fight. No problem!” As speculation mounts over a potential showdown between Paul and Joshua, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has issued a stern warning to the American YouTuber, suggesting that the ‘Problem Child’ may not fully comprehend the risks of facing his star client.
Speaking to The Stomping Ground, Hearn said: “The reason [people] are in to it is because it is so dangerous. [They think] if he hits Jake Paul, his head could actually detach from his neck. That’s the world we live in. If it’s what you want to see, I’m sure AJ would give you what you want. But unless you’re going to do it next, don’t talk about it. If you’re going to do it next, we’ll do it. AJ is not defending a belt, he’s not trying to unify, he’s not trying to become undisputed. We’re looking for an opponent.
“If it’s Jake Paul, it’s a massive payday and a straightforward job. If I was walking into the ring to fight Jake Paul, I wouldn’t be nervous. I could be competitive. It is impossible [Paul beats Joshua]. Jake Paul probably could have a dozen or so free shots on AJ’s chin and it wouldn’t even [faze him]. Respect to Jake, he wants to make the big moments and he’d make crazy money for that fight. If you want to do it, do it, but understand the dangers of that fight.”