Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul edge closer to controversial fight

A blockbuster fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is a possibility for next year, according to Eddie Hearn - despite the promoter claiming that his star client would 'end' the American.

The YouTuber-turned-boxer stunned the boxing world earlier this year after he openly challenged the two-time heavyweight champion. Paul stated: "I want to fight Anthony Joshua 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 and all this s*** but I want to fight you. I will beat Canelo, I will beat a lot of f***ing people."

Following Paul's comments, the two fighters engaged in a brief phone call, during which they verbally agreed to a future fight. With Joshua, 35, currently recovering from elbow surgery and planning to return to the ring before the end of the year, a swift encounter with the social media sensation could be on the horizon before he focuses on taking over the heavyweight division again

Joshua's promoter, Hearn, has confirmed that discussions have taken place between the two camps. In a conversation with , Hearn revealed: "Yeah (there have been discussions), I was with his excellency yesterday, obviously he'd met Jake Paul, I think he would like to do it, you know, but it's mad enough to happen.

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“It’s not something we expected, it’s not something we’re targeting, if it’s offered to us I would be shocked if AJ didn’t accept it, why wouldn’t you? The plan for us is to fight Tyson Fury next year, if we can squeeze in Jake Paul along the way and you guys want AJ to end this whole process, he’ll gladly do it," reports All Out Fighting.

Hearn's comments comes just weeks after stating that the potential heavyweight showdown would be a 'catastrophic mismatch.' In an interview with talkSPORT, he said: “He’s calling out Anthony Joshua, who is a heavyweight monster. I think Jake Paul is crazy enough to fight Anthony Joshua because the money would be absolutely obscene. It’s a catastrophic mismatch that people would tune in to watch, because it would be the end of Jake Paul. It’s that dangerous.”

He added: "It's a fight that shouldn't really happen. They're very clever in terms of the opponents they pick. It wouldn't be surprising if Jake Paul wanted to move forward with an Anthony Joshua fight. Would he [Joshua] go in there and give him a hiding for a massive chunk of money? Probably. I'd be saying, 'Yeah, go on. I'd like to see. Is he [Jake] world-class? Absolutely not, but he is improving. He's a lot better than a lot of fighters out there."

Paul made a triumphant return to the ring after dominating former middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr last month. The American controlled the bout from the first round to the last, securing his victory by a decision. Post-fight, the 28-year-old was not shy about who he wants next; he name dropped five fighters including cruiserweight champions Gilberto Ramirez and Badou Jack, along with heavyweight hitter Joshua.

"I want tougher fighters. I want to be world champion. Zurdo looked slow as s*** tonight. That’d be easy work, too," said Paul. “Badou Jack. I want everybody. Anthony Joshua, Gervonta. And Tommy, stop running. I’m hustling, getting warmed up. You’ve already seen my face, get used to seeing it more." Asked when he wants to return, he added: "As soon as possible. I’m staying active, I’m fighting everybody."

When is Anthony Joshua's next fight?

Over the last few weeks, Hearn has revealed Joshua will have a fight before the end of the year. The boxing promoter hopes that his star client will settle the score with Fury once and for all, but admits 'AJ' is now looking to move on with his career.

In an interview with Sky Sports, when asked about the future of Joshua, Hearn replied: "Yeah, good, he had that operation recently... that elbow surgery, which went very well. You will see him return in October, November or December. We're looking for that opponent in the top ten. Deontay Wilder I think fights next week.

"I know he is a name that has been mentioned. For AJ, like I said, 2026 I think could be his last year in the sport and it seemed to get headlined, but what else do you expect? That is three or four fights away. He cannot go on forever! He is motivated. Physically feeling good now to return to camp and ready for one little last roll to this incredible career.

"Hopefully that involves a fight with Mr (Tyson) Fury. But after he is done parading his kilt around on Netflix, hopefully he joins us in the ring in 2026. It would be an incredible occasion for British boxing. But first thing is first, AJ will return during that period this year and obviously he must win and that performance will tell us a lot about the future of Anthony Joshua."