Anthony Joshua was sensationally called out by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul this week.
On his podcast, BS w/ Jake Paul, ‘The Problem Child’ set his sights on a showdown with former two-time heavyweight world champion, Joshua after missing out on a May clash with Canelo Alvarez.
“I want to fight Anthony Joshua,” the 28-year-old said.
“Because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s a**.
“He doesn’t have a chin and he has no skill and he’s stiff.
“I love you Anthony. We’re friends all this s***, but I want to fight you.”
‘AJ’ responded to the callout, posting a photo on his Instagram story of a call between him and the Ohio man, with a cryptic caption which read ‘2026.’
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn says he spoke to his charge and revealed that the Watford man would be open to a clash.
“I look at it and think Jake Paul against Anthony Joshua,” Hearn told Matchroom Boxing.
“For me, we’d do it for the banter.
“AJ would fight Jake Paul.
Look who called
2026 @anthonyjoshua ⏰🤫 pic.twitter.com/85nVA5Ergr
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) March 20, 2025
“He’d fight anyone to be honest with you.
“If Jake Paul wants to step up and fight Anthony Joshua he’d need the relevant insurance.
“The only thing that was disappointing was he says 2026.
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“I spoke to AJ this morning and he said, ‘of course I’d fight him.’
“Jake creates massive events. You know that will create that’s going to create unbelievable viewership.
“No disrespect to Jake Paul, it’s a straightforward night’s work.”
Paul’s controversial bout against former heavyweight world champion, Mike Tyson, 58, in November was watched by 60 million households, according to Netflix, with the Ohio man running out points winner.
Paul was seemingly on the verge of securing a Cinco De Mayo showdown with Canelo, before the Mexican great opted to sign a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season, which will begin on May 3 against William Scull in a bid for the undisputed super middleweight championship.
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According to boxing insider Dan Rafael, an exhibition with lightweight champion, Gervonta Davis was also explored until his draw with Lamont Roach earlier this month, with the pair set to rematch later this year.
Joshua, who has been out of action since a devastating fifth round loss to Daniel Dubois in September is set to be out of training for eight weeks after picking up an injury, according to Hearn.
