From YouTube to Heavyweight Hype
Jake Paul has done it again. The internet sensation-turned-boxer has stirred up the boxing world by boldly calling out former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua—and apparently, Joshua is game. What began as another outrageous Jake Paul soundbite has spiraled into a potential mega-showdown between two very different types of fighters: one with a legacy built in the ring, and the other with a brand built online.
In a recent podcast, Paul dropped a bombshell, not only trash-talking Joshua but revealing a personal phone call where the British boxing star allegedly agreed to fight him. It’s the kind of crossover chaos the internet loves—and traditional boxing purists hate.
But is this just talk? Or could we actually see Jake Paul step into the ring against one of the most formidable heavyweights of the modern era? Here’s everything we know about the controversy, the callout, and what could be the most surreal fight in boxing history.
Jake Paul’s Shocking Callout
Jake Paul has never been one to hold back. On a recent episode of his podcast, the 27-year-old influencer-turned-fighter made his most audacious claim yet: he wants to fight Anthony Joshua—and he truly believes he can win.
“I want to fight Anthony Joshua,” Paul declared, before taking things up a notch. “Because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s ass. He doesn’t have a chin, he has no skill, and he’s stiff. I love you, Anthony, we’re friends… but I want to fight you.”
This wasn’t just bluster. Paul’s comments came with serious venom, especially considering Joshua’s proven career as a two-time unified heavyweight world champion. In just a few seconds, Paul challenged not only Joshua’s toughness and technique but also his place in the boxing hierarchy.
Predictably, the internet exploded. Boxing fans called it delusional, critics mocked him, and fans of both fighters started debating what such a fight might actually look like. But the real twist came next.
Anthony Joshua Responds – “Let’s Run It”
According to Jake Paul, the most unexpected development wasn’t his rant—it was Anthony Joshua’s response. Shortly after the podcast aired, Paul claimed Joshua called him personally. And the message? “Let’s run it.”
“He called me up and said, ‘I saw you call me out, let’s do it,’” Paul revealed, confirming what seemed unthinkable. A real phone call. A real conversation. And a potential agreement to get in the ring.
Now, to be clear, Joshua hasn’t yet confirmed the call publicly. But Paul seemed sincere in his retelling—and even hinted at mutual respect, despite the harsh words. Whether it was a friendly challenge or a genuine step toward fight negotiations remains uncertain, but it adds serious fuel to the fire.
One thing is certain: Joshua’s decision to even entertain the idea legitimizes the possibility of this match in the eyes of fans and promoters alike. If the boxing legend is willing to step into Paul’s world—even just a little—the fight becomes more than fantasy.
Fight Plans and Timeline – 2026 on the Cards?
While fans are hungry for a quick announcement, don’t expect this bout to happen overnight. Paul has suggested 2026 as a realistic timeline, while Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is pushing for something sooner—possibly 2025.
Why the delay? Paul and his team know that stepping into the ring with a world-class heavyweight isn’t like fighting YouTubers or even retired champions. It requires real preparation, real conditioning, and a strategic buildup—not just in terms of physical readiness but also marketing.
Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s business partner and co-founder of MVP Promotions, emphasized that Jake needs more experience before taking on a fighter of Joshua’s caliber. “This is a massive leap in competition. Jake knows he can’t rush into it.”
So while the hype is building now, the showdown—if it happens—may be two years away. In the meantime, expect plenty of training montages, trash talk, and negotiation headlines.
Nakisa Bidarian’s Take – A Strategy Behind the Showdown
Behind every Jake Paul headline is a calculated business strategy, and no one understands that better than Nakisa Bidarian. As Paul’s right-hand man, Bidarian is the architect of much of his boxing success—and he’s not rushing into a Joshua fight without a plan.
“Jake understands what’s at stake,” Bidarian said. “He knows Joshua’s pedigree, and he’s taking this seriously. But we also know the power of narrative. The buildup is everything.”
For Bidarian, this isn’t just about a fight—it’s about building the biggest possible event. That means stacking the undercard, building Jake’s record with credible opponents, and timing the event for maximum global impact.
In essence, Paul vs. Joshua wouldn’t just be a fight—it would be a spectacle, a cultural moment, and likely one of the most-watched boxing matches in history.
