Anthony Joshua displayed his sportsmanship when initially discussing Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, four years ago. The two first crossed paths in Dubai three years ago, maintaining a friendly demeanor. At the time, Paul was gaining recognition in the boxing world, notably after defeating UFC champion Anderson Silva, prompting his visit to the Middle East.
During their Dubai encounter, Joshua, who was in the region for training and leisure, engaged with Paul. The social media star trained with Joshua’s friend Lawrence Okolie and even enjoyed a game of laser tag with the former champion. A year before their meeting, Joshua commended Paul, emphasizing his positive impact on the sport despite his lack of amateur experience.
In an interview with IFL TV, Joshua praised Paul for his bold approach to boxing, highlighting the learning experience gained from challenging oneself. Reflecting on their Dubai meeting, Paul expressed gratitude for the support received from boxing legends like Roy Jones Jr., Evander Holyfield, and Tyson Fury, emphasizing the importance of peer respect in the industry.
Fast forward to the present, the duo has discussed the possibility of a future fight. Following Paul’s claim that he could defeat Joshua, the fighters teased a potential bout with social media posts captioned 2026, hinting at a showdown next year. Initially slated for late 2026, speculation arose that the match could occur sooner, as Paul’s promoter engaged in talks with Eddie Hearn.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the promoter expressed confidence in arranging the fight, citing the evolving dynamics between Jake and Joshua. Anticipating a clash in early 2026, he acknowledged Joshua’s recuperation from surgery but emphasized Paul’s eagerness to challenge the former heavyweight champion.
Paul aims to maintain his momentum post-victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., with aspirations of contending for a world title in the near future. While immediate title contention seems unlikely due to the current cruiserweight landscape, Paul’s team is strategizing his next move. Plans for a fight in November or December are in motion, with Badou Jack and potential title opportunities on the horizon.
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