Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is in final negotiations to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Miami next month, a controversial matchup that has sparked outrage across the boxing world. The bout, eyed for December 12 or 19, could see both fighters split a prize pot of around £140 million.
Joshua, 34, has been out of the ring for 14 months since Daniel Dubois knocked him out in September 2024. The British boxing star now faces a stark choice: take a low-profile warm-up fight or face Paul in what many see as a threat to his legacy as an Olympic gold medalist and former world champion.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn told Daily Mail Sport on Thursday the deal is not finalized. «It is not done yet,» he said. «There has been a lot of gun jumping on this.» Hearn acknowledged the fight would not benefit Joshua's legacy but defended the financial opportunity: «We were discussing a very low-key fight for AJ but an opportunity has come up to make 50 times more money.»
The bout emerged after Paul's scheduled fight with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis collapsed last week following domestic violence allegations against Davis. Paul, 28, has compiled a 12-1 record over five years, primarily against retired athletes and lesser opponents. His only loss came against Tommy Fury.
Boxing Community Backlash
Veteran heavyweight Derek Chisora issued a stark warning to Joshua on iFL TV. «I will say this about AJ: don't let that guy [Paul] knock you out, because that will be f***ing nightmares forever, but AJ has to kill him in three rounds,» Chisora said. He added that anything beyond two rounds would raise serious questions about Joshua's capabilities.
The weight disparity between the fighters has fueled speculation about an exhibition format. Joshua weighed 252 pounds for the Dubois fight, while Paul has competed at 199 to 220 pounds. However, Hearn insisted it would be a sanctioned professional bout under Queensbury rules, not an exhibition.
Former star Carl Froch told Daily Mail's Charlotte Daly that Joshua's struggles stem from splitting with long-time coach Rob McCracken. «Now he's mentally distraught, physically getting old, completely lost. I honestly don't think there is a way back. I think he's done and he knows it,» Froch said during a ClubHouse Boxing show.
Commercial Opportunity
Frank Warren, who promotes Tyson Fury, defended the fight's commercial appeal despite the criticism. «People like car crashes. It will do well,» Warren told Daily Mail Sport. He noted that Paul's massive US following could give Joshua exposure in a market where he generates limited interest.
The fight could air on Netflix, which previously broadcast Paul's bout against 58-year-old Mike Tyson to over 60 million viewers in November. Joshua has an exclusive deal with DAZN, requiring their agreement for any Netflix broadcast. The streaming giant is already working on a documentary with Joshua.
Hearn emphasized that Joshua understands the controversy but sees the financial reality. «People who criticise it have to be honest: what would you do in AJ's shoes?» he said. He added that Joshua has regained his fighting mentality after the painful Dubois defeat and is targeting major fights in 2026.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
