The world of boxing is no stranger to unexpected matchups, where the allure of a massive payday often trumps traditional sporting hierarchies. In recent times, one name has consistently echoed through the boxing sphere as a potential mega-attraction: Jake Paul.
The YouTube sensation turned professional boxer has, with increasing frequency, called for a showdown with none other than former unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua. While the idea might seem outlandish to purists, the financial incentives are so staggering that this audacious proposition warrants serious consideration.
To understand the dynamics of such a fight, we must first examine the professional standing of both individuals…
Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) has carved out a unique, and undeniably lucrative, niche in boxing. His record, as of June 2025, reflects a journey from internet celebrity to a fighter who, despite facing criticism for his choice of opponents, has consistently drawn massive pay-per-view numbers. His recent unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a former middleweight champion and the most credible boxer he has faced to date, further solidified his self-proclaimed legitimacy in the sport. Paul’s wins include stoppage victories over former MMA stars and fellow influencers, showcasing a powerful right hand and an evolving, if still raw, boxing skillset. His sole professional loss came against Tommy Fury in February 2023, a fight that demonstrated his vulnerability against a more seasoned, albeit still developing, professional boxer. Paul’s approach to boxing has been characterized by aggressive self-promotion, outlandish call-outs, and a remarkable ability to generate hype and revenue.
Anthony “AJ” Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) stands as a stark contrast. A two-time unified world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, Joshua’s career has been defined by high-stakes encounters against the division’s elite. His impressive knockout ratio of nearly 89% speaks to his formidable power and aggressive style. Joshua’s resume boasts victories over names like Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Kubrat Pulev. However, his career has also seen significant setbacks, notably his two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, which cost him his unified titles, and a shocking upset against Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019. More recently, in September 2024, Joshua suffered another setback, losing to Daniel Dubois by knockout in the fifth round. Despite these defeats, Joshua remains a colossal figure in the heavyweight division, a proven pay-per-view draw, and a physically imposing presence. His current record reflects a champion grappling with the challenges of an unforgiving division, however, his pedigree is undeniable.
Jake Paul has been vocal in his desire to fight Anthony Joshua. Following his recent win over Chavez Jr., Paul asserted, “I want to fight Anthony Joshua… because I know I will f****** beat Anthony Joshua’s a**. He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill, and he’s stiff.” Such inflammatory remarks are classic Paul, designed to provoke a response and generate headlines.
The question then becomes, why would Anthony Joshua, a legitimate heavyweight contender, even consider stepping into the ring with a fighter who, by boxing standards, operates in a different league?
The answer, as it so often is in modern combat sports, comes down to one overwhelming factor: money.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has openly discussed the astronomical figures a Joshua vs. Paul fight could generate. He estimates the fight could realistically break pay-per-view records, potentially reaching 10 million buys globally. This could translate into an eye-watering payday for Joshua, with figures of £100 million being circulated. For a fighter whose career has already earned him immense wealth, such a sum represents an unprecedented financial opportunity, a sum that might be difficult to attain even in a traditional world title fight against another elite heavyweight.
The financial allure is not merely about accumulating more wealth; it also offers a degree of freedom and strategic leverage. A massive payout from a Paul fight could allow Joshua to dictate his terms for future, more traditional boxing contests, or even set him up for comfortable retirement. It’s a chance to secure his financial legacy beyond anything imaginable, irrespective of the outcome in the ring. While the reputational risk for Joshua is high, the financial reward could be transformative.
Despite Jake Paul’s bravado and his improving boxing skills, a fight against Anthony Joshua presents an entirely different proposition than any he has faced before. Joshua possesses a combination of size, power, speed, and genuine world-class boxing experience that Paul simply does not.
Paul’s recent win against Chavez Jr. showed glimpses of vulnerability, with Chavez Jr., despite his limited output in early rounds, rocking Paul in the later stages. Anthony Joshua, even given his recent loss to Dubois, is a different beast entirely. His punches carry concussive power, honed over decades in the amateur and professional ranks. His ability to cut off the ring, work the body, and deliver devastating combinations would be unlike anything Paul has experienced.
While Paul has demonstrated resilience and a willingness to learn, the jump from fighting former MMA fighters, older legends, and even a declining Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to a prime (or near-prime) Anthony Joshua is monumental. Joshua’s professional record includes 25 knockouts, many of them against opponents with far more boxing pedigree than Paul.
The most likely outcome of a hypothetical clash between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, in a legitimate boxing contest, is a severe and decisive victory for Joshua. While Paul’s determination and surprising power might allow him to land a few shots, Joshua’s overwhelming advantages in skill, experience, and raw punching power would almost certainly lead to Paul being overwhelmed.
The notion of Jake Paul ending up in hospital is not a hyperbolic scare tactic; it is a stark reality reflecting the immense power disparity between a true heavyweight champion and a celebrity boxer still learning the ropes at a professional level. Joshua is a destructive force, and Paul would be stepping into the path of a genuine professional who plays for keeps.
While the money might tempt Joshua, the fight itself would be a stark reminder of the brutal realities of professional boxing at the highest level. Should this unlikely matchup ever materialise, it would undoubtedly draw unprecedented attention, however, the script for Jake Paul could very well end with him in a place no boxer ever wants to be: hospital.
The financial reward often proves a compelling counterpoint to the threat of injury, and in this potential showdown, that may well be put to it’s most extreme test…
The Boxingmadman – follow me on X (Twitter) / Bluesky
The Boxing Mad Man 
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