The Fight is On: What Will Be the Outcome for Two Boxing Giants? Anthony Joshua & Jake Paul

In a move that has rocked the combat sports world, the long-rumored super fight between former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has reportedly been approved and is entering active negotiations. The potential fight, tentatively scheduled for either late 2025 or early 2026, has already sent shockwaves through both the professional boxing community and mainstream media.

Jake Paul, known for blurring the line between entertainment and combat sports, declared that the fight with Joshua is more than just hype—it’s a certainty. And this declaration comes following conversations with none other than Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi Arabian official who has become one of the most powerful figures in global boxing promotion.

But what does this matchup really represent? Is it a legitimate sporting event, a marketing masterpiece, or a dangerous mismatch? Let’s dive deep into the layers of hype, risk, and reward that surround this unprecedented clash.

Official Negotiations Underway

Sources close to both fighters have confirmed that the fight is in the negotiation phase. While no contracts have been signed yet, two tentative windows have been proposed for the bout: December 2025 or February 2026.

Jake Paul took to social media to confidently state: “The fight is happening. We’ve already spoken with Turki Alalshikh, and things are in motion.”

That’s a bold claim—but not out of character for Paul, whose brash persona and fearless matchmaking have kept him at the center of combat sports headlines. If it materializes, this would be Paul’s most dangerous opponent yet—by far.

A Promoter’s Perspective – Eddie Hearn Weighs In

Legendary boxing promoter Eddie Hearn—who has worked closely with Joshua throughout his career—confirmed that serious conversations have already taken place.

According to Hearn, he held a one-hour meeting with Jake Paul’s business partner, Nakisa Bidarian, to discuss the feasibility of this mega-event. He estimated the probability of the fight occurring at “50/50”:

“Jake truly believes he can win—or at least make it competitive. The commercial appeal is undeniable, but there’s a lot to consider.”

This isn’t the first time Hearn has voiced support for crossover bouts, but even he admits that the risks—for both fighters—are enormous.

The Risks vs. The Rewards

For Jake Paul:

• The Riskiest Fight of His Career: Facing a former world champion with devastating knockout power.

• Career Legacy on the Line: A poor showing could end his ambitions of being taken seriously in boxing.

For Anthony Joshua:

• A Potential Reputation Risk: Losing to Paul—even in an exhibition—could damage his legacy.

• Financial Incentives: With possible earnings surpassing any of his past purses, the commercial draw is hard to ignore.

Hearn himself has called it “a high-risk, high-reward gamble” for both men, particularly Joshua, who has more to lose from a credibility standpoint.

The Global Media Reaction

Not everyone is thrilled about the proposed fight. Boxing purists and respected media outlets like talkSPORT have raised serious ethical and regulatory concerns.

“This fight should not be sanctioned or licensed,” one journalist bluntly stated.

The reasons cited include:

• The vast difference in experience between the two fighters.

• Size and skill disparities that could make the contest dangerous.

• The potential to undermine boxing’s legitimacy as a sport.

And yet, paradoxically, the same critics acknowledge that the fight will almost certainly be a massive success in terms of viewership and commercial impact—describing it as the very definition of “car crash TV”: ugly, controversial, and impossible to ignore.

The Integrity Question

One of the most intriguing (and controversial) narratives involves speculation about the fight being rigged.

John Fury, the outspoken father of Tyson Fury, stated:

“If Jake wins, it will only be because the fight was fixed. No way in hell does he beat Joshua fair and square.”

These kinds of accusations aren’t new to the Jake Paul ecosystem. His previous bout with Mike Tyson also attracted skepticism, prompting his team to publicly deny any contractual clauses that manipulated the outcome.

Jake Paul’s camp insists that every fight has been above board, and they are quick to remind critics that he trains with elite-level athletes and has invested heavily in becoming a legitimate boxer.

The Business of Spectacle

If the match does go ahead, it could generate record-breaking PPV (Pay-Per-View) sales. Comparable only to mega-fights like:

• Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor

• Tyson vs. Holyfield

Marketing analysts predict that a Joshua vs. Paul bout could easily cross $100 million in revenue, especially if it’s held in Saudi Arabia with full government and sponsor backing.

This isn’t just a boxing match—it’s an entertainment spectacle designed for a global audience.

The Broader Implications

The fight is more than just a celebrity circus—it raises several key questions about:

• The future of boxing

• The role of influencer athletes

• Where the sport’s boundaries lie

Critics fear that matches like this one devalue legitimate championship fights, while others argue that it brings new eyes and fresh money into a sport in dire need of revitalization.

What cannot be denied is that Paul has succeeded where many promoters have failed: getting the masses to care about boxing again.

Analytical Breakdown

Public Reactions & Fan Division

Fans are split:

• Traditionalists see it as a joke or a gimmick.

• Younger audiences see it as thrilling and unpredictable.

• Boxing professionals have expressed everything from support to outrage.

Online forums, YouTube channels, and sports networks have been flooded with debates. The sentiment is polarized—but people are talking, and that’s the point.

What If Jake Paul Wins?

Here’s a speculative look:

• He becomes one of the biggest names in boxing history, if not for skill, then for disruption.

• The landscape of celebrity boxing shifts permanently.

• Calls for Paul to challenge other elite fighters may explode.

But it also raises existential questions for the sport:

• Does this mean anyone with money and fame can skip the ranks?

• How does boxing define credibility going forward?

What If Anthony Joshua Dominates?

This would likely reaffirm Joshua’s reputation as a world-class fighter, but may also be dismissed as a “no-win” situation:

• He was expected to win, so the glory is limited.

• Critics may say he’s chasing money, not legacy.

Either way, the fight’s outcome will shape public perception for years to come.

Final Verdict: A Defining Moment

Whether you love it or hate it, a Joshua vs. Paul showdown would represent a defining moment in modern boxing history. It reflects everything that boxing has become in the social media era—equal parts athleticism, branding, and controversy.

Jake Paul has once again managed to make the world stop and stare. Anthony Joshua, ever the professional, stands as the ultimate gatekeeper.

And the question remains: What happens when two giants from different worlds finally collide in the ring?

One thing is certain—everyone will be watching.