Anthony Joshua Negotiates Duel Against Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua opened up negotiations against Jake Paul (Instagram/@anthonyjoshua).

JAKARTA Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua is in talks to face Jake Paul, a YouTube star who has entered the world of professional boxing.

Eddie Hearn, who is Joshua's promoter in his latest interview with the BBC on Thursday, November 13, 2025, confirmed that the duel against Paul is very likely to be held this year.

"We might be down in 2025. At first, we just planned to have a simple fight somewhere."

"If it could stop Paul at the same time make tens of millions of dollars, maybe. Nothing has been confirmed so far," he said.

Hearn earlier in August 2025 also said that Paul could be the next option.

A number of media later reported on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that the duel between Joshua and Paul was almost certain. However, Hearn is still denying these claims.

"Everyone took the conclusion too quickly. Our focus is on 2026. We have prepared a big fight for February. Hopefully the big fight against Tyson Fury next year," he said.

Joshua, 36, has not been in the ring since suffering a knockout defeat (KO) against his compatriot Daniel Dubois, in September last year.

The fight between Joshua and Paul is expected to face questions from the permitting agency, given the huge difference in the experience of the two boxers.

It is unlikely that the duel will be categorized as a professional battle. The most reasonable scenario is the exhibition match.

Paul, 28, was previously scheduled to face lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis in an exhibition match on November 14, 2025. However, the fight was later canceled.

The decision to cancel was taken after Davis' ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit and accused him of beating, severe assault, illegal detention, kidnapping, and acts that caused emotional pressure.