Jake Paul has emerged as the leading contender to face Anthony Joshua in his next fight, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. Despite the unlikely pairing, the YouTuber-turned-boxer is currently the frontrunner for a bout with the former world heavyweight champion.

Joshua, who last fought in September 2024 in a loss to Daniel Dubois, recently underwent elbow surgery in May but is aiming to return to the ring sometime in 2025.

Paul has boosted his profile with recent victories over legends Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., competing in both the heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions. These wins have propelled him into serious discussions about a future fight with Joshua.

Speaking in New York, Hearn said:
"In this bizarre world we live in, Jake Paul is absolutely the frontrunner to fight Anthony Joshua next. I’m here for a meeting about that fight. There’s ongoing communication between myself, Nakisa Bidarian (Jake Paul's manager), and Most Valuable Promotions."

Hearn acknowledged the mismatch in experience and skill, calling the proposed clash “extremely dangerous” for Paul.

“I can’t tell you this is anything close to a 50/50 match-up. The whole situation is surreal. Jake Paul is stepping into dangerous territory,” he added.

“Boxing fans are urging AJ to end this spectacle and return the sport to normal. Meanwhile, Jake Paul’s supporters somehow believe he can defeat Anthony Joshua. What’s even more incredible is that Jake himself truly believes it.”

According to Hearn, Paul’s team sees an opportunity, believing Joshua’s durability may have declined after recent setbacks.

“Be careful what you wish for,” Hearn warned. “This is one of the most dangerous moves possible. It’s like watching David Blaine – you don’t know what’s going to happen. But this is a guy walking into the ring with one of the most powerful punchers of this era.”

While unconventional, Hearn noted the fight could be a financial blockbuster and predicts it could happen in early 2026.

“Commercially, this fight would shatter records. I don’t even fully understand how we got to this point, but we’re deep in negotiations, and I believe you’ll see this happen at the start of 2026,” he said.

Jake Paul began his boxing career in 2020 and has since compiled a 12-fight record, with his only loss coming against Tommy Fury in 2023. The 28-year-old has secured wins over former UFC fighter Nate Diaz and pro boxers Andre August and Ryan Bourland.

Following his unanimous decision victory over Chavez Jr. last month, Paul boldly called out Joshua and has since engaged with Saudi boxing official Turki Alalshikh in an effort to finalize the match-up.

According to Hearn, Joshua is unfazed by the possibility of fighting Paul.

“For AJ, it’s simple. He said, ‘You want me to knock out Jake Paul? No problem.’ That’s where things stand,” Hearn said.