sport
controversial
update

Anthony Joshua considers fight with Jake Paul amidst ongoing negotiations

Nov 12, 2025, 10:07 PM40
(Update: Nov 13, 2025, 3:19 PM)
British boxer (born 1989)
American YouTuber and boxer (born 1997)
city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States
American content platform and production company

Anthony Joshua considers fight with Jake Paul amidst ongoing negotiations

  • Jake Paul previously had a fight scheduled against Gervonta Davis that was canceled because of legal issues.
  • Discussions for a Joshua vs. Paul match include a massive prize pot and potential Netflix streaming.
  • The match's legitimacy and safety are highly debated given the disparities in experience and background.
Share your opinion
4

Story

In late 2025, negotiations are ongoing regarding a potential boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, primarily expected to take place in Miami. While the details of the potential bout are still being finalized, it is anticipated that it will be streamed on Netflix, collaborating with Joshua's ongoing projects with the streaming service. Jake Paul, who faced cancellation of his previous scheduled fight against Gervonta Davis due to a lawsuit against Davis by his ex-girlfriend, is now in discussions to face Joshua. This prospective fight is estimated to have a massive prize pot of around £140 million, split between the two fighters, raising questions about safety, especially considering the disparity in boxing experience and the weights of both fighters. The dynamic between Joshua's significant boxing experience, with 32 professional fights under his belt, and Paul's limited history as a boxer—having faced mostly challengers without prior boxing credentials—brings significant controversy to the discussions. Previous fights for Paul have not seen him take on an active heavyweight, and the move to fight a seasoned champion like Joshua poses considerable safety concerns. Despite being regarded as a public stunt, this match-up could attract considerable attention and viewership, similar to Paul's past events, including a fight against a much older Mike Tyson that drew over 60 million viewers. Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, has indicated that if the fight proceeds, it will be managed as a professional bout following standard boxing rules rather than an exhibition. This contrasts with the underlying sentiments in the boxing community that question the legitimacy and safety of such matches. Coupled with Joshua's anticipation to regain his competitive footing and increase his earnings following a loss to Daniel Dubois and a recent elbow surgery, the fight with Paul presents a tantalizing but precarious opportunity for the heavyweight champion. As discussions continue, critics of the match-up express concern about the potential damage to the reputation of boxing while commentators argue that such a controversial fight could generate substantial interest. Prominent figures in the sport, including Frank Warren, acknowledge the fight's potential to attract an audience while also warning against the perception of mismatches in boxing, particularly when one competitor lacks the requisite experience. Thus, this negotiation unfolds as one of the most talked-about scenarios in contemporary boxing, combining financial interests, visibility, and the risks associated with unorthodox match-ups.

2026 All rights reserved