A potential fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua is generating significant buzz in the boxing world and beyond, representing one of the most talked-about crossover events possibly coming in 2026. Both camps have publicly acknowledged ongoing discussions, and the matchup is being seriously considered by major promoters and global sports figures.
Jake Paul, a social media star turned professional boxer, has rapidly ascended in the boxing ranks, moving from celebrity bouts to victories over aging but legendary names like Mike Tyson and former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Anthony Joshua is a two-time unified heavyweight champion, known for his athleticism and knockout power, whose star power remains undiminished despite recent setbacks, including a KO loss to Daniel Dubois and subsequent elbow surgery.
Following Paul’s victory over Chavez Jr., he publicly called for a fight with Joshua and reportedly spoke to Joshua directly to float the idea. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, while initially skeptical, has said the bout is being actively discussed and would be entertained—especially as Joshua’s next outing, before he targets more legacy-defining fights against Tyson Fury.
The most likely window for the fight appears to be early 2026. Jake Paul’s team, including manager Nakisa Bidarian, has confirmed they are in talks with Joshua’s representatives, aiming for the first quarter of 2026, contingent on Joshua’s recovery and readiness after elbow surgery.
Possible locations being considered include major international venues, with rumors of interest from Saudi Arabian promoters, who have backed other mega-fights in recent years.
Competitive Breakdown
Physical Disparity: Joshua holds clear advantages in size and reach—standing 6’6” tall with a significant reach over the 6’1” Paul.
Skillset Gap: While Paul’s boxing has improved, and he now holds a 12-1 record with quality wins at cruiserweight and heavyweight, the leap from facing veterans past their peak to a prime elite boxer like Joshua is enormous.
Public and Industry Reaction: There is a strong sense among experts and fans that Joshua would be a massive favorite, with some calling the bout a risk for Paul’s health. Still, the spectacle and commercial appeal make it more possible than previously thought. Notably, Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh and heavyweight Tyson Fury have spoken openly on the matchup, lending it legitimacy in mainstream circles.
This fight would symbolize the ultimate clash of the influencer era and traditional boxing hierarchy, potentially the biggest crossover in boxing history.
Financially, estimates suggest the bout could generate upwards of $40 million, driven by pay-per-view interest across both the mainstream sporting audience and Jake Paul’s massive youth following.
While some boxing purists question the integrity or competitive rationale for this matchup, the commercial and televisual allure—plus the willingness of both fighters and their teams—make Paul vs Joshua a real possibility for 2026
Boxing fans must come to terms with the reality that spectacle has become an integral part of the sport today. In the modern era, boxing is driven by money, viewership, and mass appeal. With the rise of platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and other social media, anyone with viral reach and momentum can achieve celebrity status—blurring the line between traditional athletes and media personalities.
Muki is a long time boxing fan and enjoys Mixed Martial Arts. He has been writing boxing articles since he was a teen and his favorite fighters of the past are Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Prince Naseem Hamed. Favorite MMA fighters are Khabib Nurmagomedov, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva and Fedor Emelianenko.