YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul claims that a fight with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is being planned for 2026 — and says Joshua told him he wants to kill him in the ring.
Fight Could Happen in 2026
Speaking in an interview with IFN Boxing, Jake Paul said he’s confident the fight will happen after both fighters complete two more bouts.
“Anthony Joshua, baby! It can happen,” Paul said.
“He said he’ll do two more fights, I’ll do two more fights, and then we’ll fight in 2026.”
Paul added that Joshua, who was born in Nigeria, made a chilling statement about their potential match-up:
“He said he’s going to kill me and that I’ll have to fight for my life,” Paul claimed.
“And I was like, ‘Alright. Let’s get it, big boy!’”
Paul’s Goal: Become a World Champion
Jake Paul has made it clear he wants to become a boxing world champion, and has challenged big names like Canelo Alvarez, Gervonta Davis, and now Anthony Joshua.
Changing Opinions on Influencer Boxing
At first, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn was a strong critic of influencer and celebrity boxing. But over time, Hearn has changed his opinion, admitting the fights bring in big money and attract huge audiences.
If the fight happens, it would be one of the biggest crossover boxing events yet, pitting a former world heavyweight champ against a viral internet personality-turned-professional fighter.
