YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul has expressed a desire to face former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in the ring, signaling his ambitions to make a mark in the heavyweight division.
This comes on the heels of Paul’s headline-grabbing victory over boxing icon Mike Tyson, a win that has cemented his reputation as a rising force in the sport. While the prospect of stepping into the ring with a powerhouse like Joshua is still a future goal, Paul’s camp has made it clear that the fight is on his radar.
“I Want to Do That Fight”
Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s promotional partner, revealed the boxer’s intent in a recent interview with Sky Sports. “Jake’s feedback to me was, ‘I want to do that fight. Not now, but I want to do that.’ He’s aiming to be a world champion at cruiserweight first,” Bidarian stated.
Paul, who weighed in at 227 pounds for his bout with Tyson and typically walks around at 215 pounds, has already demonstrated his ability to compete at higher weight classes. “In the right environment and framework, he’s eager to exceed expectations. It’s not about the money for Jake—he’s been financially secure since he was 18. This is about testing the limits of what’s possible in boxing,” Bidarian added.
A Potential Blockbuster
The idea of a Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight is already generating buzz in the boxing world. A matchup against Joshua, or even other top heavyweights like Daniel Dubois, would be a significant leap for Paul, whose career trajectory has continuously defied expectations.
Bidarian emphasized that Paul’s goals are rooted in creating unforgettable moments in the sport. “Jake wants to make fans say, ‘Wow, that really happened,’” he explained.
The Timing of Joshua’s Return
The discussion about Paul’s potential future opponents coincides with speculation about Anthony Joshua’s next steps in his career. Currently recovering from injuries sustained during a knockout loss to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in September, Joshua is not expected to return to the ring until May 2025, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.
Meanwhile, former light-welterweight champion Amir Khan has urged Joshua to prioritize a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury. “AJ has achieved so much in boxing, but a fight against Fury could be a legendary way to end his career,” Khan said in an interview with the New Zealand Daily.
A Glimpse of What’s to Come
While Jake Paul continues to climb the ranks in the cruiserweight division, his aspirations to challenge boxing’s elite in the heavyweight category are set to redefine the boundaries of the sport. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as Paul moves closer to his ambitious goal of sharing the ring with Anthony Joshua.
As the boxing world eagerly anticipates Joshua’s next move and Paul’s rise through the ranks, the possibility of this blockbuster matchup looms as an exciting prospect that could captivate audiences worldwide.
