YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul has sent shockwaves through the boxing world by declaring his intention to face Tyson Fury, but only after he deals with two-time world champion Anthony Joshua first.
The December Showdown in Miami
Jake Paul is scheduled to fight Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight clash on December 19 in Miami, Florida. The highly anticipated bout will be broadcast globally on Netflix, marking another major step in Paul's unconventional boxing career. The 28-year-old has made the bold claim that he will knock out Joshua, potentially derailing the British boxer's future plans with promoter Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing.
During a recent press conference with Ariel Helwani, Paul didn't hold back when discussing his ambitions. "I'm knocking this guy out, becoming the CEO of Matchroom Boxing and changing the plans," Paul stated. "Then it's going to be me vs Tyson Fury next year."
Joshua's Fighting Response
Anthony Joshua responded to Paul's boasts with fighting words of his own. The former heavyweight champion made his intentions clear, saying: "Yeah, if I'm going to be honest, I'm going to break his face, I'm going to break his body up, I'm going to stomp all over him."
Joshua emphasised his focus remains entirely on the December fight, noting that while other opportunities exist for 2026, his main priority is the signed and sealed contest with Jake Paul.
Paul's Fury Ambition Faces Retirement Hurdle
Paul's call-out of Tyson Fury represents a significant step up from his previous encounter with the Fury family. In February 2023, Paul suffered his first professional defeat to Tommy Fury, Tyson's brother, who won by split decision after eight rounds.
The major obstacle to Paul's Fury plans is the champion's retirement announcement earlier this year. Following back-to-back defeats to unbeaten Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, Fury announced his retirement from boxing in January via social media, saying: "I'd like to announce my retirement from boxing, it's been a blast."
Despite this retirement, Paul appears determined to lure Fury back into the ring for what would undoubtedly be one of the most lucrative fights in boxing history.
