Eddie Hearn’s Reaction to Jake Paul’s Challenge to Anthony Joshua

Jake Paul potentially fighting Anthony Joshua? Eddie Hearn believes it’s a possibility.

The chairman of Matchroom Boxing addressed Jake Paul’s recent comments about wanting to fight Joshua. Paul had stated he would “f*cking beat Anthony Joshua’s ass.” Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, is looking for his next significant fight after recently losing to Daniel Dubois. Hearn suggests that if Paul’s team is serious about this matchup, they are also interested.

“Honestly, when I consider it, Jake Paul against Anthony Joshua—for me, we would consider it for the spectacle,” Hearn mentioned on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel. “A.J. would box Jake Paul. He is willing to fight anyone, to be honest. If Jake Paul seriously wants to step into the ring with Anthony Joshua, he would need to get the necessary insurance.”

Hearn added, “The only thing that was a bit off was him mentioning 2026. That’s like me saying I’ll participate in surfing at the L.A. Olympics in 2028. If you’re serious, do it in 2025. You’re not going to improve much more by waiting. I’m not sure. They’ve spoken, and I talked to A.J. this morning. He said, ‘Listen, of course, I would fight him.’”

Paul, known as a popular YouTuber and social media personality who has transitioned into a prominent figure in boxing, is also seeking another high-profile fight after his widely watched event with Mike Tyson last November. This event, streamed on Netflix, broke viewership records and gained significant mainstream attention.

Hearn would be pleased to work with Paul, and he is confident Joshua feels the same way.

“We recognize that Jake creates massive events,” Hearn stated. “It’s guaranteed to generate incredible viewership, and with all due respect to Jake Paul, it should be a relatively straightforward win. But I find his callouts of Canelo [Alvarez] and others interesting. A.J. is another major challenge. If they are serious, then why not?”

Joshua has not yet personally responded to Paul’s remarks, so Hearn is currently acting as his spokesperson. Hearn indicated that whether it’s Paul or someone else, Joshua is ready to return to boxing.

“[Joshua] said, ‘Why not?’” Hearn recounted. “I asked, ‘What do you want me to say when I get asked about it?’ He replied, ‘Tell everyone I’m ready to fight anyone, anytime, it’s not a problem for me.’”