Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Remains a Possibility, According to Eddie Hearn
Eddie Hearn Keeps Paul-Joshua Discussions Alive ... Outcome of Tank Clash Could Shift Everything
Published October 18, 2025 12:50 AM PDT
TMZSports.com
Imagine the thrill of two massive personalities clashing in the boxing ring – Jake Paul, the YouTube sensation turned fighter, and Anthony Joshua, the heavyweight titan from Britain. It's a matchup that's got fans buzzing, and guess what? According to Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua, the fight is still very much on the table despite Paul's upcoming showdown with Gervonta "Tank" Davis. Hearn recently shared with TMZ Sports that conversations between the camps are continuing, keeping the door ajar for this potential blockbuster event.
Paul, known as El Gallo, is set to face off against the lightweight champion Davis in Miami next month – a bout that's been the talk of the town. But before this fight was locked in, there were whispers that Paul might instead challenge Joshua, creating a wave of excitement in the boxing world.
The Matchroom Boxing promoter is optimistic that the Paul-Joshua match could still happen sooner or later, though it all hinges on how Paul performs against the much lighter-weight Davis. To clarify for those new to boxing, Davis is a reigning champion in a lower weight class, making him physically smaller but incredibly skilled – think of it like a nimble speedster facing off against a powerhouse. Hearn elaborated to Paul's partner at Most Valuable Promotions, Nakisa Bidarian, that if Tank completely dominates and overwhelms the internet icon on November 14, the chances of Jake stepping into the ring with the larger Joshua – who outweighs Paul significantly – would drop sharply. It's a smart reminder that in boxing, one tough loss can reshape a fighter's career trajectory.
And this is the part most people miss: Hearn initially suspected that Paul's team might be name-dropping Joshua just to leverage better terms for the Davis fight, a common negotiation tactic in sports. But since the talks didn't fizzle out once the Davis match was confirmed, he realized the interest in Joshua was genuine.
When it comes to Paul's impact on the sport, Hearn had nothing but praise, describing how the former Disney Channel star has ignited a massive surge of interest in boxing, making it 'red hot' right now. It's fascinating how crossover celebrities like Paul can draw in new audiences, much like how professional wrestlers have transitioned to mainstream sports entertainment.
But here's where it gets controversial: Despite a past legal feud between Hearn and Paul – which involved disputes over contracts and promotions – it seems any animosity has been set aside for business. Could this mean they're truly ready to collaborate and put old grievances behind them? Or is this just a pragmatic move in the cutthroat world of boxing promotions?
What do you think, fans? Is Jake Paul ready to take on a heavyweight like Anthony Joshua, or should he stick to lighter opponents for now? Do you believe the legal drama is really buried, or are there lingering tensions that could derail future deals? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear if you agree or disagree!
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