YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul has thrown down the gauntlet, calling out former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua for what could be a seismic showdown in the ring.
Paul, who boasts an impressive 9-1 record with six knockouts, made the bold declaration during a recent interview, stating: "I want that fight next. I'm ready for Anthony Joshua." The American star has been making waves in the boxing world since transitioning from social media fame to professional pugilism.
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Joshua's long-time promoter Eddie Hearn didn't dismiss the idea outright, telling reporters: "Jake Paul's doing great things for boxing. He's serious about this sport now." However, Hearn suggested any potential bout would likely need to take place in Saudi Arabia, where Joshua has fought his last three matches.
The Road to a Potential Showdown
While some boxing purists may scoff at the idea, Paul's growing credibility in the sport makes this potential matchup intriguing:
- Paul has defeated former UFC champions in the boxing ring
- His only loss came against a legitimate boxer (Tommy Fury)
- He's demonstrated genuine knockout power
- The financial upside for both fighters would be enormous
Joshua, currently rebuilding his career after back-to-back losses to Oleksandr Usyk, might see this as an opportunity for a high-profile, lower-risk fight with massive pay-per-view potential.
What's Next for Both Fighters?
Boxing insiders suggest Paul would need at least two more fights against credible opponents before being considered a legitimate challenger for Joshua. Meanwhile, the British heavyweight is expected to return to the ring later this year, potentially against fellow Brit Dillian Whyte.
One thing's certain - if this fight materializes, it would be one of the most talked-about events in recent boxing history, blending traditional sporting credibility with social media stardom in a way that could attract millions of new fans to the sport.
