JAKE PAUL’S desire to face an active household name in boxing has shifted to the heavyweight division.
The 27-year-old YouTuber turned boxer has made a career out of facing ex-MMA stars. But in November he faced stinging criticism for getting Mike Tyson out of retirement, aged 58, to fight him at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The drab eight-two minute round main event was won by Paul on points.
Paul has since been chasing a money-spinning fight against current super middleweight king Canelo Alvarez but the Mexican is aiming to become a two-time undisputed champion on May 3 when he faces William Scull in Riyadh.
Speaking on his podcast BS With Jake Paul, with guest and Canelo rival David Benavidez in the studio, Paul called out “friend” and former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
“I want to fight Anthony Joshua – exclusive – because I know I will beat Anthony Joshua,” he said.
“He doesn’t have a chin and he has no skill and he’s stiff. And I love you Anthony and we’re friends but I want to fight you.
“I will beat Canelo, I will beat a lot of fucking people. I will not beat David Benavidez.”
Joshua’s hopes of becoming a three time champion were wrecked last September at Wembley Stadium by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois in their IBF title clash. ‘AJ’ may be in the final rounds of his own career but his burning ambition to become champion again will not go away. It is therefore unlikely he would entertain the idea of facing Paul who bulked up to 227lbs to face Tyson while Joshua scaled 252lbs for his bout against Dubois.
Both men have since posted on social media to confirm they have spoken on the phone about a potential fight. Joshua, sharing a screenshot of their phone-call, wrote “2026 @jakepaul 🤫” on his Instagram story.
