Boxing’s biggest headline magnet, Jake Paul, is reportedly gearing up for the most audacious fight of his career — a showdown with two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Multiple outlets in the US and UK have confirmed that talks are underway for a December blockbuster in Miami, with Netflix expected to stream the event live.
While fans are still processing the idea of a former YouTuber stepping into the ring against one of history’s most accomplished boxers, reports suggest both camps are serious about making it happen before the end of the year.
The news follows the cancellation of Jake Paul’s exhibition bout with Gervonta “Tank” Davis earlier this month, after the lightweight champion became involved in both civil and criminal proceedings.
Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) has built a controversial but undeniably successful career by taking on big-name opponents — though many have been past their prime. The 28-year-old has fought at weights ranging from 183 to 227 pounds, defeating Mike Tyson in a high-profile bout last November and Julio César Chávez Jr. in June.
However, facing Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is an entirely different challenge. Standing 6’6” and weighing over 250 pounds, Joshua is a gold medalist from the 2012 London Olympics and a two-time heavyweight world champion who has shared the ring with the likes of Wladimir Klitschko and Oleksandr Usyk.
Despite the 36-year-old’s career hitting a rough patch, Joshua would be the toughest opponent Jake Paul has faced to date.
While purists may dismiss the matchup as a “circus,” its commercial appeal is undeniable. Paul has become one of the sport’s biggest draws, attracting millions of new fans to boxing — and if this bout goes ahead, it could easily become one of the most-watched fights of the decade.
Whether it proves to be a publicity stunt or a genuine sporting contest, one thing is clear: if Jake Paul steps through the ropes to face Anthony Joshua, boxing’s showman will be entering the lion’s den.