The boxing world is no stranger to controversy, but few matchups have sparked as much debate as the idea of Anthony Joshua facing Jake Paul. For some fans, it is the ultimate crossover event, a mix of pure boxing pedigree and social media stardom that could shatter pay-per-view records. For others, it is a dangerous mismatch that risks undermining the sport’s integrity.
At the center of the storm is one crucial question: would the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) even allow the fight to take place in the United Kingdom? Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s long-time promoter, has acknowledged that while conversations have taken place, the bout would almost certainly have to be staged overseas. That means the BBBofC’s decision might not stop the spectacle from happening at all.
With the fighters’ vastly different resumes, contrasting styles, and enormous commercial implications, the discussion has become one of boxing’s hottest topics. Let’s explore why the fight is so controversial, where it might happen, and what it would mean for the sport.
Why the British Boxing Board May Say No
The British Boxing Board of Control is responsible for safeguarding professional boxing in the UK, ensuring that fights meet strict standards for competitiveness, safety, and fairness. Before any promoter can host a fight like Joshua vs Paul on British soil, they must apply for official sanctioning.
Under typical circumstances, sanctioning is granted when the fighters are considered to be reasonably well matched in terms of skill, experience, and size. The Board also examines safety protocols and ensures the bout fits recognized competitive classifications.
When assessing Joshua vs Paul, there are serious concerns on all these fronts. Anthony Joshua is a two-time unified heavyweight champion who has faced some of the best fighters of his generation, including Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Alexander Povetkin. He has fought in high-pressure arenas, defended world titles, and been tested against elite opponents for more than a decade.
Jake Paul’s background tells a different story. With just over a dozen professional fights, his most notable wins have been against retired or well-past-prime opponents such as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and Anderson Silva. His single foray into heavyweight territory came in an exhibition-style match against Mike Tyson, who was 58 at the time.
Adding to the mismatch is the issue of size. Joshua is 6’6” and has consistently weighed over 250 pounds in recent years. Paul, at 6’1”, has only broken the 200-pound mark once in his career. The physical gap alone raises questions about competitive balance and fighter safety.
Boxing journalist Gareth A. Davies summed up the safety concerns succinctly, stating that the fight “should not be sanctioned or licensed” in the UK because it simply would not be safe for Jake Paul. While promoters might salivate at the potential profits, the BBBofC’s mission is to protect fighters and that could make approval in Britain nearly impossible.
How the Fight Could Still Happen Overseas
Even if the British Boxing Board refuses to sanction the bout, promoters have options. International boxing regulation is fragmented, and other jurisdictions are far more willing to approve high-profile novelty matchups.
In the United States, state athletic commissions in places like Texas, Nevada, and Florida have a history of sanctioning unconventional bouts. Texas, for example, approved Paul’s exhibition against Mike Tyson, complete with altered rules to make it more palatable from a safety standpoint. If the right financial incentives are in place, a Joshua vs Paul fight could easily find a home in one of these states.
Saudi Arabia is another strong contender to host the bout. The kingdom has rapidly become one of boxing’s biggest players, staging blockbuster events such as Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou and Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr. Turki Alalshikh, Saudi Arabia’s influential boxing chief, has reportedly shown interest in the matchup, with early 2026 floated as a possible date. Eddie Hearn has openly admitted that the US or Saudi Arabia is the most likely location, with Britain almost certainly out of the running.
The Commercial Power of Joshua vs Paul
From a pure sporting perspective, many argue this fight makes little sense. From a business perspective, however, it is a promoter’s dream. Pay-per-view revenue, international sponsorships, and crossover media coverage could push the event into record-breaking territory.
Anthony Joshua already commands a massive global following as one of the most recognizable heavyweights in the world. Jake Paul brings an entirely different audience to millions of younger fans who may never have purchased a boxing event before. This mainstream crossover potential is why promoters are so excited.
The fight also benefits from the curiosity factor. As boxing agent Sam Jones put it, it would be like “car crash TV” impossible to look away from, even for those convinced it’s a terrible idea. That intrigue could translate into historic viewing figures.
Financially, the stakes are enormous. Reports suggest Paul is willing to accept a 99-to-1 purse split in Joshua’s favor, meaning the former champion could earn well into nine figures, while Paul would still take home millions. For both men, the payday would be hard to ignore.
Career Comparisons and the Experience Gap
The disparity between the two fighters’ careers is striking. Anthony Joshua holds a record of 27 wins and 4 losses, with victories over some of the most respected names in heavyweight history. He has twice held the unified heavyweight championship and has fought at the very top level for most of his career.
Jake Paul’s record of 12 wins and 1 loss is respectable for a novice, but his résumé is light on traditional boxing challenges. His wins have come primarily against smaller or retired fighters, and he has yet to compete in a sanctioned heavyweight championship bout.
Joshua’s last fight was a stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois, a legitimate contender in the division. Paul’s most recent victory came against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, a former champion far removed from his prime. The gap in pedigree is undeniable and one of the key reasons purists see the fight as unworthy of sanction.
Expert Opinions Divided but Intrigued
Boxing insiders have mixed feelings about the potential matchup. Former cruiserweight champion and pundit Johnny Nelson suggested that if the fight happens, it could be a sign that Joshua is looking for one final massive payday before walking away from the sport. He described it as a “walk in the park” for the heavyweight, but one that could be financially irresistible.
Promoter Frank Warren acknowledged that while the fight might be frowned upon by traditionalists, public demand would be overwhelming. In his view, the spectacle would draw in audiences from both boxing’s core fan base and Paul’s online following.
Sam Jones went even further, predicting it could become the most watched fight in the history of the sport a statement that highlights the event’s extraordinary commercial potential.
The Risks for Both Fighters
For Anthony Joshua, the danger lies not in losing physically, but in losing reputation. A victory over Jake Paul would be expected; anything less could permanently tarnish his legacy. If Paul were to last the distance, it could even be perceived as a moral victory for the YouTuber.
Jake Paul, on the other hand, faces genuine physical danger. Joshua is a natural heavyweight with knockout power, and facing him in a professional setting would be unlike anything Paul has encountered before. The potential for serious injury is real.
There is also a broader risk to boxing itself. Critics argue that high-profile novelty fights could erode the sport’s credibility, shifting attention away from legitimate championship bouts and toward celebrity matchups. While the short-term profits are tempting, the long-term implications could be damaging.
If Not Paul, Then Who?
Should the Joshua vs Paul fight fail to materialize, there are still intriguing options for the former champion. A long-awaited all-British showdown with Tyson Fury would be the most prestigious choice, though Fury has hinted at staying retired. A clash with fellow Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka could offer a unique storyline, while a bout with Francis Ngannou would continue boxing’s recent flirtation with MMA crossovers.
None of these alternatives would likely generate the same level of mainstream attention as Jake Paul, but they could offer a more traditional path for Joshua to close out his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the BBBofC sanction Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul?
It is unlikely, given the disparity in size, experience, and competitive background between the fighters.
Where would the fight likely take place?
The United States and Saudi Arabia are the leading candidates, both having shown a willingness to host crossover events.
Why would Joshua consider fighting Paul?
The financial rewards could be unparalleled, offering a massive payday for what is seen as a relatively low-risk fight in the ring.
Has Jake Paul ever fought at heavyweight?
Yes, but only once in a modified-rules exhibition against Mike Tyson.
Could this be Joshua’s last fight?
Some experts believe it could be his way of cashing out before retirement, especially if the payday is as large as predicted.
Conclusion
The possibility of Anthony Joshua facing Jake Paul is a collision of two worlds elite professional boxing and social media celebrity culture. Whether you see it as a marketing genius or a sign of the sport’s decline, it is undeniably a conversation-starter.
The British Boxing Board of Control is unlikely to sanction the bout, but in today’s globalized boxing market, that may not matter. With promoters eyeing venues in the United States or Saudi Arabia, and with financial projections that could eclipse anything in recent memory, the fight’s path to reality remains wide open.
If it happens, it could redefine what the public perceives as “big-time boxing” for better or worse. And in the end, that may be the very reason both fighters, and their promoters, are willing to push the boundaries.
