Jake Paul has targeted two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.
The brash 28-year-old has made waves in the sport both as a competitor and promoter over the last few years, cutting his teeth by facing mostly former UFC fighters but breaking viewership records last year when he controversially faced 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
Paul has had two high profile bouts fall through this year against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gervonta Davis, both of which had reached the negotiation stage.
“I want to fight Anthony Joshua because I know I’ll f**king beat his ass. He doesn’t have a chin, he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony and we’re friends but I want to fight you.”
Joshua was quick to respond, both online and to Paul personally, sharing a screenshot of a phonecall with the American on Instagram and adding the caption:
“2026.”
Last year, the Brit failed in his attempt at becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion when he was stopped by countryman Daniel Dubois inside five rounds at Wembley Stadium. 2025 looked set to be the year he would finally face off with Tyson Fury, though ‘The Gypsy King’s retirement put paid to that.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has made no secret that his heavyweight charge has two or three fights left in his campaign, and signing off with a sideshow bout against Paul now looks likely after one more crack at top honours.
