In the ever-unpredictable world of boxing, it seems nothing is off the table—especially when Jake Paul is involved. The controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer is once again setting the internet ablaze by challenging none other than Anthony Joshua, the former unified heavyweight champion, to a match in 2026. This isn’t the first time Jake Paul has thrown Joshua’s name into the mix, but his latest declaration is louder, bolder, and more persistent than ever. With many calling it a publicity stunt and others claiming Paul has earned a shot at a high-profile name, the debate now centers on one question: How will Anthony Joshua respond?

Jake Paul’s Bold Callout: More Than Just Talk?

Jake Paul is no stranger to controversy, but his ambitions are steadily climbing into more serious territory. His challenge to Anthony Joshua marks a stark contrast from his previous bouts, which primarily featured former MMA fighters and mid-level boxers. Now, Paul is aiming for a towering figure in the sport—literally and figuratively. In a recent podcast appearance, Paul stated, “I know people think I’m crazy, but I believe I can take Joshua. He’s not the same guy he used to be.”

Critics have pointed out that Paul has yet to fight a top-10 ranked boxer in any division, much less one of the biggest names in heavyweight history. However, Paul counters by saying he’s willing to step up, and that he deserves a shot based on his growing fanbase, discipline, and performance inside the ring. While his record may lack the gravitas of traditional boxing greatness, few can argue that Jake Paul knows how to sell a fight—and that may be his most dangerous weapon.

Anthony Joshua’s Silence: Tactical or Dismissive?

So far, Anthony Joshua has remained publicly silent about Jake Paul’s latest callout. It’s unclear whether this is a tactical move—designed to ignore the noise—or a genuine lack of interest. For a man who has shared the ring with legends like Wladimir Klitschko and Oleksandr Usyk, entertaining a match against Jake Paul might seem absurd. Yet the business side of boxing can blur the lines between sport and entertainment, and Joshua is no stranger to making decisions that blend both.

Joshua’s recent trajectory has involved rebuilding his form and confidence. After reclaiming a few solid victories in 2024 and 2025, he’s worked his way back into contender status. Facing someone like Jake Paul, while not offering ranking points or a major belt, would be a colossal payday and a potential PR windfall. But would he risk the backlash?

Many insiders believe Joshua is weighing the potential consequences. Accepting the fight could be seen as lowering his standards. Refusing it might paint him as aloof in an age where crossover fights are becoming more popular. With Tyson Fury and Francis Ngannou breaking barriers between boxing and MMA, the door for spectacle-driven fights is wide open.

The Business of Boxing: Can Jake Paul Make It Happen?

Say what you will about Jake Paul’s boxing skills—his business acumen is undisputed. His past bouts have drawn millions of viewers and created viral moments that traditional boxing promotions dream of replicating. From co-promoting with Most Valuable Promotions to headlining sold-out arenas, Paul has rewritten the playbook on how to become a star in the sport.

He’s also been savvy in choosing opponents that build credibility while keeping risk manageable. However, a fight with Anthony Joshua would be a quantum leap. Joshua is not only a far superior athlete than anyone Paul has faced, but he also represents the kind of technical mastery that could expose every hole in Paul’s game.

Still, the money would be massive. A pay-per-view headliner featuring Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua could break records. Add in a global marketing campaign, celebrity endorsements, and social media hype, and the match becomes a cultural event, not just a sports fixture.

It would also mark a new evolution in Jake Paul’s mission: not just being taken seriously as a fighter, but redefining what it means to be a prizefighter in the 21st century.

Can Jake Paul Survive in the Ring with a Heavyweight Elite?

Let’s be honest—Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua is a fantasy matchup by every technical metric. Joshua is taller, heavier, more experienced, and infinitely more battle-tested. His jab alone could be a fight-ending weapon against someone like Paul. And while Jake has shown improvement in his footwork and timing, he’s never faced someone with AJ’s caliber of power and ring IQ.

Yet boxing is not just about skill. It’s about timing, preparation, and willpower. Jake Paul’s best chance wouldn’t lie in going the distance—it would be to overwhelm Joshua early with unpredictability. An early flash knockdown or even a few clean hits could shift the narrative in ways we’ve seen before. Just ask Andy Ruiz Jr., who shocked the world by defeating Joshua in 2019 as a massive underdog.

Jake Paul would also need a world-class training camp, likely enlisting seasoned heavyweight coaches and sparring partners to even begin preparing for the power and precision of Joshua. The fight would probably take place at a catchweight, but even then, Paul would be stepping into foreign territory.

What Fans Think: Clown Show or a Must-Watch Event?

The reactions to Jake Paul’s callout of Anthony Joshua have ranged from laughter to curiosity to outrage. Hardcore boxing fans see it as a mockery of the sport, while younger fans—especially Paul’s millions of followers—view it as a dream showdown. The generational divide in opinion is one of the most telling signs of how boxing is changing.

Critics argue that these matches degrade the sport’s legitimacy. Supporters argue that they bring in new fans and make boxing relevant again in a digital-first world. Either way, Jake Paul knows how to push buttons, and the mere idea of him fighting Joshua has ignited passionate debates on every platform from Reddit to ESPN.

Would Anthony Joshua Accept the Challenge?

This is the million-dollar question—possibly a $100 million question, depending on how big the event gets. For now, Joshua’s team has remained silent, but that doesn’t mean the challenge hasn’t reached them. Behind the scenes, discussions about potential exhibition bouts, financial splits, and media rights are probably already happening.

Joshua’s decision will ultimately come down to what he wants next for his career. If he’s aiming for legacy and titles, then Jake Paul offers nothing of value. If he’s thinking about retirement and wants a final blockbuster payday, the YouTuber-turned-boxer might be exactly what he’s looking for.

And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from boxing in the 2020s, it’s that spectacle sells.

Conclusion: Is Jake Paul Dreaming Too Big or Playing the Game Perfectly?

Jake Paul’s callout of Anthony Joshua may seem like a publicity stunt, but there’s a method to the madness. He’s challenging traditional norms, testing boundaries, and forcing the old guard to reckon with new ways of creating hype. Whether the fight actually happens or not, Paul has once again succeeded in making himself the center of the conversation.

Meanwhile, all eyes are on Anthony Joshua. His response—whether dismissive, neutral, or accepting—will determine whether this idea remains a fantasy or becomes one of the biggest fights in modern boxing history.