Promoter Eddie Hearn has definitively stated that a potential bout between former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul would be a sanctioned professional fight, dismissing any notion of it being a mere exhibition.
A Heavyweight Clash in the Making
According to reports, Anthony Joshua is poised to end his 14-month hiatus from the ring with a high-profile match against the polarising Jake Paul. A deal is reportedly close to being finalised for the pair to fight in Miami in December.
Joshua, now 36, has not fought since his fifth-round stoppage defeat to British rival Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium back in September of last year. The news of a potential fight with Paul has been met with significant criticism from boxing purists, who feel the challenge is beneath the former champion's standard and express concern for the safety of the smaller Paul.
Hearn's Firm Stance on a 'Real Fight'
In an interview with Sky Sports, Hearn was unequivocal about the nature of the proposed contest. "No, not an exhibition," he stated. "We're not interested in exhibitions. It's a real fight."
He elaborated that the clash would be a heavyweight contest under Queensbury rules, featuring 10-ounce gloves. While the specifics regarding the number of rounds and a potential agreed-upon weight are still to be resolved, Hearn confirmed the seriousness of the endeavour.
"It's a cruiserweight moving up to heavyweight," Hearn noted, referencing Paul's usual fighting category. "There's stuff to be resolved and discussed... The rounds would be agreed. The weight, I mean, we may come down to a number that's more suited for Jake."
Surprise Opportunity and Financial Incentive
Hearn revealed that it was always the plan for Joshua to have a fight before the end of the year, but the opponent was unexpected. "We were going to have an eight-round fight this year, on an undercard somewhere," he explained. "We didn't expect that to be against Jake Paul, but it just so happens that if it is, it's for 50 times more money than we were going to fight for."
Despite the rumours, Hearn was careful to stress that nothing is officially confirmed. He acknowledged an approach from Paul's promotion company, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), but admitted he has his doubts. "I mean, if he would be crazy enough to entertain that, we would be willing to oblige, in all honesty," Hearn commented.
He also touched on the financial reality of such a spectacle, suggesting the purse would be difficult for any fighter to refuse. Looking ahead, Hearn reiterated his ambition to finally secure a 'Battle of Britain' with Tyson Fury for Joshua in 2026.
Jake Paul, 28, comes into this potential fight following a high-profile victory over the 59-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson in an eight-round contest last year. His planned exhibition fight with Gervonta Davis for 14 November was cancelled due to a civil lawsuit against the WBA champion.
