Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Eddie Hearn Weighs In On Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua

Originally posted on Fights Around The World
By Joshua Ben Joseph | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 2:23 PM ET

Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) is undoubtedly on cloud nine. With a fresh victory against Julio Cesar Chavez (54-7-1, 34 KOs) under his belt, he is all set to take over the world of boxing by storm. And he has set the ball rolling by calling for a fight against Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs).

While this callout has set the boxing world abuzz, pondering the probability of the fight, Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn has pitched in about the potential fight and whether Paul deserves it.

Talking to Sky Sports, Hearn did not hold back from showering Paul with praise while adding that he found it surprising that he had a newfound fondness for Paul’s performances.

“I’ve surprised myself this week because I’ve given him the respect that I feel he deserves, which is that this guy has been fighting for a while now in big events, around the world. He went into the game a complete novice. I think he has made big improvements as a boxer, I think he’s taking things seriously,” he said. “I don’t think he’s (just) a YouTuber anymore.”

Hearn stated that he recognizes Paul as a professional boxer. While he was certain that he wouldn’t place him in the top 50, he hinted that Paul could find a spot among the top 100 boxers.

Paul’s victory against a former champion like Chavez Jr has undoubtedly earned him the Matchroom boss’ respect, despite Hearn considering him a “washed-up guy”. And this respect might just have earned him a shot at a potential Joshua fight.

Hearn revealed that the fight could very well come to fruition, provided Paul is willing to take the risk.

“Look, he’s a disruptor; he wants to create mad moments. If he wants to be mad enough to get in a ring with Anthony Joshua, and make several tens of, potentially hundreds of millions, he will do it, Jake Paul,” he said. “Well, AJ, he’s his own man. But, I’ll be saying, hey, go on mate, go deal with this guy.”

“I Want That Challenge”

While he is no heavyweight, Paul wants to challenge himself by fighting Joshua. Calling his victory against Chavez Jr as the first step, Paul revealed that he wished to avenge his loss to Tommy Fury and then take on Joshua in 2026.

“I like the challenge. That’s the criticism. ‘Fight someone in their prime who is a beast!’ I think people just want to see me lose. That’s really the message behind it all,” he said during the post-fight interview. “Anthony Joshua is an insane fight, but I want that challenge. We’ve been DM-ing back and forth, he wants to make it happen, he called me up, and it’s looking very likely for next year.”

This article first appeared on Fights Around The World and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: