Joshua open to Youtuber Paul fight in 2026

Former two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has hinted at the possibility of a boxing match with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in 2026, following a recent call-out from the American social media star.

Paul, on his podcast, BS w/ Jake Paul, set his sights on a showdown with Joshua after missing out on a May clash with Canelo Alvarez.

“I want to fight Anthony Joshua,” the 28-year-old said.

“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 all this s***, but I want to fight you.”

Joshua responded to the callout, posting a photo on his Instagram story of a call between him and Paul, with a cryptic caption which read ‘2026.’

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, says he spoke to his client and revealed that the British-Nigerian would be open to a clash.

“I look at it and think Jake Paul against Anthony Joshua,” Hearn told Matchroom Boxing.

“For me, we’d do it for the banter. AJ would fight Jake Paul. He’d fight anyone, to be honest with you. If Jake Paul wants to step up and fight Anthony Joshua he’d need the relevant insurance. The only disappointing thing was he said 2026.

“I spoke to AJ this morning and he said, ‘Of course I’d fight him.’ Jake creates massive events. You know that will create unbelievable viewership. No disrespect to Jake Paul, it’s a straightforward night’s work.”

Paul’s controversial bout against former heavyweight world champion, Mike Tyson, 58, in November was watched by 60 million households, according to Netflix, with the Youtuber winning on points.

Paul was seemingly on the verge of securing a Cinco De Mayo showdown with Canelo, before the Mexican great opted to sign a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season, which will begin on May 3 against William Scull in a bid for the undisputed super middleweight championship.

According to boxing insider Dan Rafael, an exhibition with lightweight champion, Gervonta Davis, was also explored until his draw with Lamont Roach earlier this month, with the pair set to rematch later this year.

Joshua, who has been out of action since a devastating fifth-round loss to Daniel Dubois in September, is set to be out of training for eight weeks after picking up an injury, according to Hearn.