Jake Paul has set his sights on what could become one of boxing’s most talked-about crossover bouts, a showdown with British-Nigerian heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. The YouTuber-turned-boxer claims the pair have agreed to meet in the ring in 2026, and says Joshua has already issued a chilling warning that he would “kill” him in the fight.
In a recent interview with IFN Boxing, Paul revealed that Joshua is on board with the idea of facing him, stating, “Anthony Joshua, baby! It can happen. He said he’s going to do two more fights, I’ll do two more fights and then we’ll [fight] in 2026.” Paul added that the former world champion didn’t mince words about the potential contest, reportedly telling him, “I’m going to kill you. You’ll have to fight for your life.” Paul’s response? “Alright. Let’s get it, big boy!”
Jake Paul’s transformation from internet influencer to professional boxer has been nothing short of controversial, but his ability to draw global attention is undeniable. Having already stepped into the ring with combat sports veterans and boxing icons, Paul has consistently expressed his ambition to become a world champion and challenging Joshua represents a giant leap in that direction.
The idea of such a fight has fueled discussions around the legitimacy of celebrity boxing, a space Paul has helped shape. Initially dismissed as a gimmick, crossover boxing has evolved into a lucrative segment of the sport. One of its former critics, Eddie Hearn — Anthony Joshua’s promoter has softened his stance in recent years, acknowledging the entertainment and financial value these bouts generate. While Hearn has not confirmed any official agreement between Joshua and Paul, his evolving views suggest the door may be open for a blockbuster event of this kind.
Joshua himself has recently been in the spotlight following a trip to Ghana, where he made headlines after suggesting that Nigerians had misled him about the West African nation. The two-time heavyweight champion remains a central figure in the sport and is expected to make decisions about his next fights in the coming months. Though he has not publicly addressed Paul’s comments, his name being linked to a potential 2026 bout has reignited interest in how far the influencer-turned-boxer is willing to go in the sport.
As with many of Jake Paul’s claims, skepticism remains. While he has fought experienced opponents like Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva, stepping in against an elite heavyweight like Joshua would represent a massive escalation in both size and skill level. Still, Paul’s promotional prowess and social media influence continue to blur the lines between spectacle and serious sport.
Whether or not the fight comes to fruition, Jake Paul’s comments have once again placed him at the center of the boxing world’s attention, a position he has expertly maintained since first lacing up the gloves. If Joshua does agree to the bout, the potential for a mega-fight and the controversy that would come with it is all but guaranteed.
