The boxing world, ever eager for a spectacle, often conjures the most improbable matchups. But few could have predicted the recent murmurings that place two figures from profoundly different corners of the sport – former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and YouTube-sensation-turned-pro-boxer Jake Paul – on a collision course. While one built a legacy battling giants, the other sculpted a brand by challenging a curious mix of MMA veterans and, famously, a septuagenarian legend. Yet, in the modern landscape of prize-fighting, where the pursuit of astronomical paydays often eclipses traditional sporting merit, this seemingly far-fetched encounter is reportedly moving beyond mere speculation.
Anthony Joshua, a name synonymous with Olympic gold and world titles, has faced the elite of his era, enduring both triumphs and setbacks against legitimate heavyweights. His record is etched with the names of champions and formidable contenders. Jake Paul, conversely, has carved out a winning streak against opponents whose professional boxing credentials range from “minimal” to “non-existent,” culminating in a controversial bout against a 58-year-old boxing icon. The disparity in their professional journeys isn`t just significant; it`s practically astronomical. Imagine a seasoned astrophysicist debating the nuances of quantum mechanics with someone who just learned about gravity from a falling apple. The “winning records” are where the similarities end, and that, perhaps, is the most profound understatement of the year.
So, why are serious discussions underway for a bout that, on paper, seems to defy logic and perhaps even the laws of physics? The answer, as it so often is in boxing, is elegantly simple: economics. “If it makes dollars, it makes sense” is a mantra whispered in boardrooms and shouted from ringsides. Anthony Joshua, currently recuperating from an injury and expected to return later this year, has his pick of legitimate heavyweight contenders. But the sheer commercial pull of a Jake Paul fight—fueled by millions of social media followers and a masterclass in marketing—presents a payday that few conventional matchups could ever rival.
The practicalities of such a fight, however, are daunting. Jake Paul`s last weigh-in clocked him in at around 199½ lbs, a comfortable cruiserweight. Anthony Joshua, meanwhile, recently tipped the scales at a colossal 252¼ lbs for his IBF title clash. That`s a difference of over 50 pounds, a chasm that typically separates entire weight classes, not just opponents in the same ring. Overcoming this physical disparity would require significant concessions, likely a catchweight far above Paul`s comfort zone or a truly gargantuan effort from Joshua to shed mass, a task fraught with performance risks for a man built for the heavyweight division.
Despite these glaring challenges, Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Paul`s MVP Promotions, has publicly affirmed active discussions with Joshua`s team. MVP Promotions, already making waves in the boxing world and notably increasing attention on women’s boxing, appears to be eyeing this colossal crossover for early 2026.
Bidarian`s reasoning for the match-up is as audacious as the proposition itself. He envisions a “Jake versus Joshua” clash, describing it as “quite biblical” and “impactful.” One can almost picture David and Goliath, except Goliath might be sporting designer shorts and David has a legion of TikTok followers. Bidarian asserts that the size difference can “get comfortable with it,” a statement that will undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows among fight purists. His assessment that Jake is “learning very fast and growing” while Joshua is “a little long in the tooth” adds a spicy, perhaps even deliberately provocative, flavor to the narrative. To suggest a two-time unified heavyweight champion, still very much in his prime for a heavyweight, is “long in the tooth” compared to a fighter with less than a dozen professional bouts—most against non-boxers—is a testament to either profound confidence or astute promotional strategy. Or perhaps, a healthy dose of both.
Paul himself, according to Bidarian, is “very confident” about his chances, which, given the chasm in experience and power, speaks volumes about the power of self-belief, or perhaps, the allure of the improbable upset.
Whether this “biblical” clash truly materializes in 2026 remains to be seen. The hurdles are immense, from negotiating a suitable weight to satisfying the demands of two vastly different camps, not to mention convincing a skeptical boxing public of its legitimate sporting value. Yet, in an era where spectacle often trumps substance, where social media virality can translate directly into pay-per-view buys, the discussions between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are a stark reminder: boxing is a sport, yes, but it is also, undeniably, a business. And sometimes, the most improbable ventures yield the most profitable returns. The stage is being set, not just for a fight, but for a fascinating case study in modern sports entertainment.
Tristan Blackwood