In a dramatic twist that's sent shockwaves through the boxing world, YouTube sensation turned professional fighter Jake Paul has unexpectedly called out British boxing icon Anthony Joshua. The controversial challenge comes hot on the heels of Paul's highly-anticipated fight against Mike Tyson being postponed.
Eddie Hearn Drops Bombshell Revelation
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who guides Joshua's career, dropped the bombshell during a recent interview, confirming that Paul's team had directly approached him about a potential blockbuster showdown. "He's going to be looking for an opponent," Hearn stated, referencing the collapsed Tyson bout. "I did get a message from somebody saying, 'Would he fight Jake Paul if we offered him $50 million?'"
The Matchroom Boxing chairman didn't dismiss the approach out of hand, acknowledging the staggering financial incentive while maintaining Joshua's primary focus remains on reclaiming world championship status.
The $50 Million Question
The astronomical $50 million offer represents one of the most lucrative potential paydays in boxing history, creating a fascinating dilemma for the two-time heavyweight champion. While Joshua's sights are firmly set on facing the winner of the Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk undisputed championship fight, the financial temptation of facing Paul cannot be easily ignored.
Hearn elaborated on the delicate balancing act, noting: "I think AJ's focus is on becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion, but there's no doubt that if the money becomes life-changing, it's a fight that could definitely happen down the line."
Paul's Frustration After Tyson Postponement
The call-out comes during a turbulent period for Jake Paul, whose July 20th showdown with boxing legend Mike Tyson was postponed after the 57-year-old suffered a medical scare during a flight. The fight has been rescheduled for November 15th, but the delay has clearly prompted "The Problem Child" to explore alternative options.
Paul's transition from social media celebrity to legitimate boxing contender has divided opinion, but there's no denying his ability to generate massive pay-per-view numbers and mainstream attention.
What This Means for British Boxing
A potential Paul vs Joshua matchup would represent one of the most significant crossover events in British boxing history, blending traditional sporting prestige with social media-driven entertainment. While purists might balk at the spectacle, the financial rewards could reshape the economic landscape of the sport.
Hearn summed up the modern boxing dilemma perfectly: "We have to sometimes recognise the value and the money and the eyeballs that these kinds of fights bring to the sport." Whether British fight fans will see their Olympic hero share the ring with the YouTube disruptor remains uncertain, but the conversation has undoubtedly begun.
