Anthony Joshua's next potential Opponent might shock you

Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are in advanced negotiations for a boxing match potentially set for early 2026, with both camps publicly confirming serious interest in staging one of the sport’s most unusual and commercially ambitious showdowns.usatoday+3

Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, has repeatedly stated that Jake Paul is now the “leading contender” to face Anthony Joshua in the near future and believes the fight will “likely” happen at the start of 2026. Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs), a former unified heavyweight world champion, would represent by far the toughest and most credentialed opponent in Jake Paul’s professional boxing career. Paul (12-1, 7 KOs), a YouTuber-turned-boxer, has built a record fighting a mix of retired fighters and ex-MMA athletes but has never faced anyone close to Joshua’s experience or physical dimensions—Joshua is 6’6” and over 250 pounds, while Paul is 6’1” and typically around 200 pounds.badlefthook+2

Hearn and Paul’s business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, have reportedly held negotiations in New York, with all sides acknowledging the “spectacle” and immense financial upside. Hearn noted, “From a commercial perspective, this fight could shatter all previous records,” calling it possibly the biggest event in boxing based on global interest and revenue potential. Media reports suggest Joshua could receive a career-high payday for the bout.bbc+2

Despite the spectacle, the proposed match-up has drawn skepticism from boxing traditionalists and regulatory bodies. The British Boxing Board of Control has not guaranteed it would sanction the bout, citing the sheer disparity in skill and experience between the two fighters. Hearn himself has admitted the fight would be a “mismatch” from a sporting perspective but emphasized its entertainment value and historic earning potential.youtubeskysports+1

Jake Paul is undeterred, reportedly confident he can win, and is actively pursuing the challenge against Joshua. Meanwhile, Joshua is open to the match, with promoters seeing few available big-name heavyweight rivals following his recent loss to Daniel Dubois and elbow surgery in late 2024.skysports+2

In summary, while the bout has yet to be officially announced, advanced talks are ongoing, and all indications are that Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul could take place in early 2026, setting up what would undoubtedly be one of the most watched and lucrative boxing spectacles of the decade.usatoday+3