Talks over a potential bout between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul have collapsed after the American demanded $40 million to face the former heavyweight champion, according to Matchroom promoter, Eddie Hearn.
Hearn confirmed that negotiations had taken place in recent weeks, with the possibility of a December fight being explored. However, he has now ruled out the fight, stating that Jack Paul’s financial demands made the deal unworkable.
“Jake Paul wants $40m to fight Anthony Joshua. It’s not happening,” Hearn told Boxing Social. “I don’t believe Jake Paul is serious. I don’t trust that he would take the fight. I think Francis Ngannou would destroy him, let alone AJ.”
The proposed fight had attracted interest from Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh, who was reportedly involved in preliminary discussions. However, with Paul now ruled out, Hearn says Matchroom is considering other opponents for Joshua’s return in December.
“We want AJ to fight in December, and we’re looking at a number of names,” Hearn added. “Jake Paul just isn’t one of them right now. We are ready for December, but Jake Paul is not an easy opponent to negotiate with.”
This development comes months after Hearn dropped a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Paul, which had stemmed from the YouTuber’s accusation that Hearn paid judge Glenn Feldman to favour Matchroom fighters.
The resolution of that legal dispute had allowed the two sides to collaborate on other projects, including the Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano trilogy.
A Joshua-Paul fight would have generated significant commercial interest, with the potential to sell out Wembley Stadium and attract viewers across both sides of the Atlantic. Despite the hype, Hearn insists the deal cannot happen under current terms.
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs), 35, is seeking to bounce back from a fifth-round knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. The defeat derailed his bid to become a three-time world champion, but the British-Nigerian remains a major draw in the heavyweight division.
A future all-British fight between Joshua and Tyson Fury remains a possibility in 2026, especially now that Fury is no longer a titleholder. Fury, however, has added fuel to the discussion by backing Paul.
“I think Jake Paul knocks him out,” Fury told The Ring. “I just think Jake Paul would knock AJ out. I think AJ is a spent force, and I think Jake Paul is on the rise.”
Despite Fury’s remarks, a Joshua vs. Paul showdown appears unlikely unless the American significantly reduces his asking price.
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