Latest news with #ProblemChild
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jake Paul reveals details of new private messages with Anthony Joshua ahead of potential 2026 showdown
Jake Paul has detailed a surprising exchange with two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, further fueling speculation of a potential blockbuster showdown between the two. In a new interview, the social media star-turned-boxer opened up about a recent private exchange with the Olympic gold medalist, hinting that a clash between the two could be more than just fantasy. Speaking candidly about their behind-the-scenes banter, Paul shared details of a direct message exchange that blended friendly rivalry with light-hearted trash talk. When asked about his relationship with AJ following their phone call earlier this year, Paul said: 'It was all nice [speaking to AJ on the phone]. You know, we've been cordial. He DM'd me today, like saying 'lol' to one of my training clips, and then I sent him a 'lol' of him getting knocked out.' According to Paul, the exchange was all in good fun but highlighted a budding tension between the two stars. 'I guess we're kind of s*** talking behind the scenes a bit,' he continued. 'But I have a lot of love for Anthony Joshua. I think this type of stuff is funny, and he's a great guy.' While the Problem Child's jabs were playful, Paul didn't hold back when it came to the idea of stepping into the ring with Joshua. 'A fight between us would be awesome, and I do believe I can win.' Paul's comments regarding the DM's came just days after he admitted to Ariel Helwani that a fight between him and AJ is likely to take place in 2026. This isn't the first time Paul has teased a possible bout with Joshua. Back in early 2025, the pair reportedly had a private phone call where tensions ran higher than expected, with Joshua allegedly brushing off Paul's ambitions as a 'publicity stunt'. Paul, in turn, claimed the British heavyweight was underestimating his skills and influence. 'I know my boundaries,' he said on his podcast BS w/ Jake Paul. 'I want to fight Anthony Joshua because I know that I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua's a***. He doesn't have a chin, and he has no skill and he's stiff. And I love you, Anthony. We're friends, all this s***, but I want to fight you.' However, before any dream matchup with Joshua can become reality, Paul must first navigate a dangerous challenge on Saturday, June 28, when he faces former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. 'The Problem Child' returns to the ring riding the momentum of last year's headline-grabbing points win over the legendary Mike Tyson. But this time, he's aiming for more than just a victory — he wants to make a statement. Standing in his way is Chavez Jr, the former WBC middleweight champion and son of boxing royalty, Julio Cesar Chavez — a revered three-division world champion and pound-for-pound great. Despite a turbulent career, Chavez Jr remains a seasoned and dangerous opponent, capable of derailing Paul's ambitions in an instant. A dominant performance against Chavez Jr would not only mitigate some of critics but also edge Paul one step closer to the mega-fights he's been chasing — names like Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta Davis — and ultimately, that audacious 2026 showdown with Joshua. For Paul, June 28 isn't just about winning. It's about proving, once again, that he belongs in the conversation — even among the sport's elite.
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jake Paul doubles down on Anthony Joshua claim as boxer provides fight update
The 'Problem Child' has provided a major update on the potential heavyweight showdown after the two boxers agreed to a fight next year YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul has expressed confidence in arranging a fight with two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The social media star grabbed the headlines earlier this year after he openly challenged Joshua on his YouTube channel 'BS with Jake Paul,' stating: "I want to fight Anthony Joshua 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 and all this s*** but I want to fight you. I will beat Canelo, I will beat a lot of f***ing people." Following their exchange, the pair promptly agreed over the phone to a future fight. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Paul provided the latest on a potential clash between the two boxing stars. "Yeah, we talked on the phone for like ten minutes and we're both down. I said 2026 and he was like, 'Alright, let's get it,'" he said. "We're gonna make it happen so I think that's going to be a mega-fight next year and something fun to test my skills at heavyweight. But I think his chin's gone and especially if he fights another time or two in between the end of 2026. I love Anthony, he's always supported me, I've always supported him but I just do believe I can beat him in a fight." Joshua has confirmed he won't be stepping back into the ring until December at the earliest. 'AJ', hasn't fought since his shocking fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last September. Speaking to ESPN about his plans, Joshua stated: "December, I'll fight again. That's when I want to fight again. I want to take some time and then I'll go in December." When quizzed about his British rival Tyson Fury, Joshua responded: "Don't worry about him, he says a lot of stuff. I just want to get my body feeling good and my mind is going to be right and then I'll fight. No problem!" As speculation mounts over a potential showdown between Paul and Joshua, boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has issued a stern warning to the American YouTuber, suggesting that the 'Problem Child' may not fully comprehend the risks of facing his star client. Speaking to The Stomping Ground, Hearn said: "The reason [people] are in to it is because it is so dangerous. [They think] if he hits Jake Paul, his head could actually detach from his neck. That's the world we live in. If it's what you want to see, I'm sure AJ would give you what you want. But unless you're going to do it next, don't talk about it. If you're going to do it next, we'll do it. AJ is not defending a belt, he's not trying to unify, he's not trying to become undisputed. We're looking for an opponent. "If it's Jake Paul, it's a massive payday and a straightforward job. If I was walking into the ring to fight Jake Paul, I wouldn't be nervous. I could be competitive. It is impossible [Paul beats Joshua]. Jake Paul probably could have a dozen or so free shots on AJ's chin and it wouldn't even [faze him]. Respect to Jake, he wants to make the big moments and he'd make crazy money for that fight. If you want to do it, do it, but understand the dangers of that fight."
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Jake Paul names three potential opponents including Oleksandr Usyk
The 'Problem Child' is planning on a busy 2025 in combat sports providing he comes away from his upcoming clash with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr unscathed Jake Paul has revealed three potential future opponents as the social media star continues to establish himself as a household name in combat sports. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is scheduled to make his return to the ring next month against former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Paul has taken the world of boxing by storm since making his professional debut back in 2020. The 28-year-old was last seen back in action last November, defeating former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Providing the American comes away unscathed, it seems as if Paul is being linked with a host of big names, including Gervonta Davis - whom he was in negotiations to face but the clash was derailed after 'Tank' was ordered to face Lamont Roach. Both Davis and Roach are expected to go head-to-head again this summer following their draw earlier this year. Despite the huge weight difference, Paul has revealed the he's working on a deal with 'Tank' behind the scenes. He told reporters on Wednesday night: "We're working behind the scenes to make that happen and obviously that's a fight where the fans are going to win. And it's going to be the biggest event of the year." When asked what weight they'd fight at, Paul replied: "We're working on it but it'd be an exhibition most likely." As well as that, the young star is still planning to crossover to MMA in the near future. In January 2023, the 'Problem Child' signed a multi-fight deal compete in MMA under the PFL banner. As of yet, he is yet to make his debut in the SmartCage, but has promised that he will start training soon. At the top of his MMA hit-list is none other than boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk - who is open to the fight. "Yeah, I want to be like Holly (Holm) here and test my skills in the cage,' he said when asked if he still plans to compete in MMA. 'That's something I'm super, super interested in, and I think it would be a very, very big spectacle. Nate Diaz is still ducking, but we would need to find the right opponent. [Oleksandr] Usyk, maybe.' Paul's business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, jumped in and explained why the fight could happen. 'Usyk has called out Jake multiple times in MMA. They've been in touch with us behind the scenes saying they want to do that fight in 2026. So it's something that we definitely want to pursue.' Paul added: 'I haven't started any MMA training, so it would definitely be interesting. We are looking at 2026 for that as a possibility.' Another name on Paul's list is WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack. Recently responding to a claim from Paul that he would win by KO, Jack said: "I never heard about that, whatever. It's a money fight. It's an easy fight and it's a money fight So, why not?" Regarding a clash with the cruiserweight star, the 'Problem Child' stated: "I'm super interested. I had Nakisa contact his team behind the scenes so those discussions are happening."
