
Anthony Joshua is in talks to stage the most LUCRATIVE fight of his career to take on Jake Paul, reveals Eddie Hearn
Former two-time heavyweight boxing champion Joshua hasn't been in the ring since he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois back in September.
Joshua, 35, had elbow surgery in May and is looking to make a return to the ring, with the option of taking on Paul becoming an increasing possibility in 2026.
'At first I thought it was a publicity stunt from Jake and now the more I speak to them the more I actually understand - Jake Paul thinks he can beat Anthony Joshua,' Hearn told BBC Sport.
'This is a step too far. So be careful what you wish for, because this isn't a game.
'This isn't YouTube. This isn't Disney. This is the danger zone.'
Paul has shaken up the world of boxing since entering the ring and he has gone on to call out the sport's biggest names, including heavyweight champion of the world Oleksandr Usyk.
He has one single loss on his record, losing to Tommy Fury, and has competed at cruiserweight, not the heavyweight level that Joshua has been accustomed to in his career.
Paul is convinced he can become a world champion but Hearn insists that will 'never' happen.
Now the prospect of fighting Joshua - likely to be in a major sports stadium in the United States - is becoming an increasingly appealing option.
Paul previously fought an ageing Mike Tyson, in his prime one of boxing's all-time greats but far from that in a fight with modified rules against Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.
While many fans have long called for a Battle of Britain between Tyson Fury and Joshua, Hearn added that the money on offer to fight Paul is eye-watering.
Hearn has been the long-time promoter of the former two-time world heavyweight champion
'Probably right up there [as his biggest fight purse],' Hearn added.
'[Usually] the more dangerous the fight, the bigger you expect the purse to be, or to reflect that. This is actually the opposite. It might be AJ's easiest ever fight and potentially his biggest payday.'
Paul has had just 13 fights compared to Joshua's 32 professional bouts, which include battles against Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Alexander Povetkin and Usyk.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


BBC News
26 minutes ago
- BBC News
Jefte 'likely' to leave Rangers, says Martin
Brazilian left-back Jefte is "likely" to leave Rangers, head coach Russell Martin has before Saturday's Premier Sports Cup tie with Alloa Athletic, Martin hinted he had a contingency for the 21-year-old's proposed has been linked with a £6m move to Palmeiras, external in his homeland. He has made more than 50 appearances for the Ibrox club, scoring once, "He was in yesterday morning and things have transpired that he's not here now but we'll have to wait and see what happens over the next couple of days," Martin told BBC Scotland."It's looking likely he will be on his way and if he goes, he goes with everyone's best wishes and if for whatever reason because this is football it doesn't happen, he'll be welcomed back."We would let Jefte go if we didn't have plans to make sure we're not let short there."


The Independent
28 minutes ago
- The Independent
Richarlison brace helps Tottenham win season opener against Burnley
Richarlison netted a brace, including a superb scissor kick, as Thomas Frank picked up a first Premier League win in charge of Tottenham with a 3-0 victory over Burnley. Frank was without injured pair James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, but Richarlison's double helped Spurs secure a first league win since April 6. Mohammed Kudus twice set up Richarlison for his goals, firstly in the 10th minute before he supplied a cross which the latter volleyed in on the hour mark. added another six minutes later to wrap up the win for Tottenham on a tough top-flight return for Burnley boss Scott Parker at his old club. Newcastle missed the presence of Alexander Isak as they shared the spoils in a goalless draw with 10-man Aston Villa. Isak was left out by boss Eddie Howe as the Sweden international tries to force a move away from St James' Park this summer. But the Magpies could have done with their star man as they failed to find a way past Villa, who had Ezri Konsa sent off in the 66th minute. Sunderland marked their return to the Premier League in style after they swept West Ham aside with a 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Following an eight-year absence from the league, the Black Cats went ahead just after the hour mark through Eliezer Mayenda before Dan Ballard's header doubled their advantage. Substitute Wilson Isidor came off the bench and put the cherry on top of a perfect afternoon to wrap up three points in Sunderland's first Premier League appearance since May 2017. Rodrigo Muniz struck deep into stoppage time as Fulham snatched a 1-1 draw from under the nose of Brighton at the Amex Stadium. Brazilian forward Muniz pounced six minutes into added time after Brighton failed to deal with Harry Wilson's corner. Albion had looked on course to make a winning start to the season when Matt O'Riley tucked home a 55th-minute penalty after Sander Berge brought down Georginio Rutter.


BBC News
28 minutes ago
- BBC News
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham: Did you know?
In Eliezer Mayenda, Dan Ballard and Wilson Isidor, Sunderland are the first team to have three players score on their Premier League debut in the same match since Reading against Middlesborough in August 2006 (Dave Kitson, Steve Sidwell and Leroy Lita).