In a move that has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, YouTube sensation turned pugilist Jake Paul has publicly set his sights on British boxing royalty. Following the disappointing postponement of his clash with the legendary Mike Tyson, 'The Problem Child' has audaciously called out two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua for a stadium showdown.
Paul took to social media platform X to make his pitch directly to AJ and his promoter, Eddie Hearn. His proposition is as simple as it is staggering: a blockbuster fight in the UK this very autumn.
The Perfect Storm: Timing and Opportunity
The call-out comes at a pivotal moment. With Jake Paul's scheduled fight against the 58-year-old Mike Tyson postponed due to the latter's medical emergency, a gaping hole has been left in the combat sports calendar for late 2024. Paul, never one to miss an opportunity, sees this as the perfect chance to create an even bigger spectacle.
His message was clear and direct: "Anthony Joshua, me versus you in October at Wembley or Emirates Stadium. I am the payday you are looking for to end your career. The bag is massive. You know it's a bigger fight than Wilder. Let's make it happen."
More Than Just Talk: The Financial Lure
Paul's proposition isn't just based on bravado; it's underpinned by a powerful financial argument. His recent fights, including a first-round knockout of Ryan Bourland, have been distributed globally on streaming giant Netflix, offering a reach that traditional pay-per-view cannot match. He boldly positions himself as the most lucrative payday available to Joshua, even suggesting it surpasses a potential bout with American heavyweight Deontay Wilder.
This isn't the first time the two have been linked. Eddie Hearn, Joshua's long-time promoter, has previously mentioned Paul's name as a potential future opponent, though likely not one he or boxing purists take seriously as a competitive match-up.
A Clash of Two Eras
The potential fight represents a fascinating cultural and sporting clash. On one side stands Anthony Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist and a defining heavyweight champion of his generation, a hero of the traditional boxing establishment.
On the other stands Jake Paul, the polarising social media megastar who has leveraged his colossal online following to disrupt the boxing industry, drawing in a massive new, younger audience. A fight between them would be a monumental event, blurring the lines between sporting contest and global entertainment spectacle.
Whether Joshua and Hearn will entertain the offer remains the multi-million-dollar question. For now, the ball is firmly in their court, with the boxing world waiting to see if they will pick up the gauntlet thrown down by the sport's most disruptive force.
