Nigeria: Potential bout between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul gains momentum

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that talks are underway for a potential fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, with backing from Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority chairman, Turki Alalshikh. According to Hearn, discussions have taken a serious turn following a recent conversation with Alalshikh.

Hearn revealed that Joshua is open to the idea of facing Paul, stating, “I spoke to AJ about it, and he said, ‘If you want me to flatten Jake Paul, I’ll do it.'” Joshua’s focus is on fighting Tyson Fury next year, but he needs a tune-up fight before any title challenge. Hearn believes that a bout against Paul would generate massive interest and revenue.

Jake Paul recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., moving him into the WBC cruiserweight top 15 rankings at No. 14. This win has sparked discussions about his potential opponents, with a fight against Joshua gaining traction.

While Hearn is enthusiastic about the potential bout, Matchroom CEO Frank Smith is more cautious. Smith dismissed Jake Paul as a likely opponent for Joshua, stating, “It’s not Jake Paul. I think if I were Anthony Joshua and I got an opportunity to fight a guy—that was a Disney star a few years back, no longer.” Smith also highlighted the difference between fighting Paul and a 60-year-old Mike Tyson, emphasizing the need for realism.

The potential fight between Joshua and Paul would likely draw significant attention and revenue, given their combined star power. However, Joshua’s priority remains a bout against Tyson Fury, with Paul potentially serving as a tune-up fight.