Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has dismissed Jake Paul’s recent proposal to fight former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in December. Initially, Hearn had expressed optimism about securing a matchup between Joshua and the YouTube star-turned-boxer, stating that Joshua was open to the idea. He had even discussed potential arrangements with Saudi fixer Turki Alalshikh, suggesting Joshua could fight Paul before setting his sights on a showdown with Tyson Fury in 2026.
However, Hearn’s perspective has shifted dramatically. Speaking to Boxing Social, he revealed that Paul’s asking price of $40 million has effectively derailed any potential negotiations. Hearn stated, “Jake Paul wants $40 million to fight Anthony Joshua. It’s not happening,” indicating his scepticism about Paul’s seriousness regarding the fight, adding that he believes heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou would be a more challenging opponent for Paul than Joshua.
Hearn confirmed that Joshua is still aiming for a fight in December but clarified that Paul is unlikely to be the opponent. Hearn emphasised the difficulties in negotiating with Paul, who has gained notoriety for his polarising presence in the boxing community. Earlier this year, Hearn had dropped a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Paul to facilitate cooperation in promoting the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano trilogy.
A potential bout between Joshua and Paul would undoubtedly attract substantial interest, with capacity crowds expected if held at iconic venues like Wembley, but the current landscape makes such a fight improbable. Hearn reiterated, “We are ready for December, but Jake Paul is not an easy opponent to negotiate with.”
Joshua is looking to recover from a defeat against Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and aims to make the most of the remaining years in his career. Although a fight with Tyson Fury has been a long-discussed possibility, negotiations have historically faltered. Both fighters appear to be keen on eventually facing one another, especially as Fury transitions from being a world champion.
As speculation continues about future matchups, Fury himself has weighed in on the differing futures of Joshua and Paul. In a recent statement, he suggested that Paul could potentially defeat Joshua, saying, “I think Jake Paul knocks him out. I just think Jake Paul would knock AJ out.”
With Joshua’s record standing at 28-4 and Paul’s professional boxing record at 12-1, the landscape of heavyweight boxing remains dynamic, yet Hearn has made it clear that Jake Paul will not be entering the ring with Joshua this December.