In a move that could shatter the traditional pay-per-view boxing model, social media megastar Jake Paul has publicly challenged British boxing behemoth Anthony Joshua to a blockbuster showdown, with the audacious proposal for it to be streamed globally on Netflix.
The call-out, which many are labelling the most ambitious of Paul's unorthodox boxing career, was made directly to Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn. Paul didn't just issue a challenge; he presented a fully-formed vision, declaring the fight would be a 'global spectacle' and a 'massive event' perfectly suited for the streaming giant's vast audience.
The New School vs. The Established King
This potential clash represents the ultimate crossover in modern sports entertainment. On one side stands Anthony Joshua, a two-time unified heavyweight world champion and one of Britain's most decorated athletes, embodying the pinnacle of professional boxing's old guard.
Opposite him is Jake 'The Problem Child' Paul, the Disney star turned YouTube phenomenon who has ruthlessly leveraged his online fame to build a legitimate, though controversial, boxing career. His record boasts victories over MMA legends like Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva, silencing some critics but leaving others demanding a true test against a seasoned boxer.
Eddie Hearn's Cautious Response
Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed the approach but tempered expectations with a heavy dose of realism. While acknowledging the 'great fight' it would be for the sport, Hearn emphasised that AJ's immediate focus remains on reclaiming his spot at the very top of the heavyweight division against established contenders.
Hearn's roadmap for Joshua appears to be firmly set on a path back to a world title, potentially setting up a historic all-British clash with Tyson Fury. A fight with Paul, despite its enormous financial upside, could be seen as a high-risk, legacy-damaging detour.
The Netflix Factor: A Game Changer
The most revolutionary aspect of Paul's proposal is the Netflix platform. Moving a fight of this magnitude from traditional pay-per-view to a subscription service would represent a seismic shift in how major sporting events are broadcast and monetised, potentially unlocking a audience of hundreds of millions.
This follows the successful model of Paul's recent fight, which was available on DAZN PPV in the UK and US but also streamed for free to millions of subscribers in other territories, demonstrating the new reach of streaming platforms.
The Road Ahead
For this fantasy match to become a reality, several stars must align. Joshua must first navigate his upcoming fight against Daniel Dubois in the highly anticipated '5v5' card in Wembley. A convincing win there solidifies his trajectory towards Fury and a world title.
Jake Paul, meanwhile, continues to prove his drawing power and dedication to the sport. Whether the allure of a nine-figure payday and unprecedented global viewership will be enough to lure Joshua away from his legacy goals remains the multi-million dollar question. For now, fight fans are left to dream about one of the most intriguing and lucrative matchups ever proposed.
