British boxing is buzzing with speculation and strong opinions as talk of a blockbuster crossover bout between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul continues to dominate headlines. The proposed fight, rumored for early 2026, has sparked debate across the boxing world—none more vocal than former WBO world champion Joseph Parker, who has urged Joshua to steer clear of the YouTuber-turned-boxer if he wants to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite.
Joshua, the former unified heavyweight champion, hasn’t set foot in the ring since suffering a brutal fifth-round defeat at the hands of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024. That loss, in an IBF world title contest, marked another setback in a career that once seemed destined for all-time greatness. Since then, Joshua has been plotting his return, with fans and pundits alike wondering who he’ll face next—and whether he can recapture the magic that saw him reign as champion twice between 2017 and 2021.
But the latest talk isn’t about a title shot or a clash with another top contender. Instead, it’s about an eye-popping payday—and a potential fight with Jake Paul, a social media superstar who has parlayed his online fame into a lucrative boxing career. Paul, whose professional record stands at 12-1 with 7 knockouts, has reportedly earned $100 million since making his pro debut in 2020. That kind of money has promoters and fighters alike taking notice, and Joshua’s camp, led by Eddie Hearn, is no exception.
Hearn, ever the savvy promoter, told Sky Sports on September 8, 2025, “I truly believe [the fight] will happen in early 2026.” He went further, predicting, “It’ll be Joshua’s biggest payday ever.” The numbers are certainly tempting, with Paul’s massive following across Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube promising a global spectacle unlike anything boxing has seen in years.
Yet not everyone is convinced. Joseph Parker, who lost a unification bout to Joshua back in March 2018, has been outspoken in his criticism of the proposed matchup. Speaking to Sky Sports, Parker didn’t mince words: “AJ was a great champion when he was a champion. If he is serious about boxing and is serious about wanting to be involved in the sport at the top level, that fight doesn’t make any sense at all.”
Parker’s concerns go beyond money and spectacle. He’s questioning the very legitimacy of Paul as an opponent, saying, “Jake Paul has done well to promote himself and saying he’s one of the best in the world. But if you look at it, he’s not really a real boxer. He’s a YouTuber coming to boxing, and he’s done well. But if AJ wants to be serious, then he has to fight the top fighters in the world.”
The numbers support Parker’s skepticism. Jake Paul’s resume, while impressive to casual fans, is littered with the names of former MMA fighters and aging boxers—most notably ex-heavyweight superstar Mike Tyson and former UFC world contender Nate Diaz. Paul’s only professional loss came in a points decision to Tommy Fury in January 2023. He’s set for an exhibition showdown with undefeated WBA lightweight world champion Gervonta Davis on November 14, 2025, but critics argue that these matchups do little to cement his status as a legitimate heavyweight threat.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s own path back to the top is far from straightforward. After his back-to-back losses to undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk and the devastating defeat to Dubois, many in the sport believe he needs to re-establish himself against top-ranked heavyweights—fighters with proven records and genuine pedigree. Parker, who has rebuilt his own career with impressive wins over Zhilei Zhang, Deontay Wilder, and Martin Bakole, is set to face Fabio Wardley in London on October 25, 2025. It’s a high-stakes bout that could put Parker back in line for another world title shot.
Wardley himself is a rising star with big ambitions. At 30 years old, the Ipswich native boasts a professional record of 19 wins and one draw, highlighted by a thrilling 10th-round knockout of Justis Huni in June 2025. Wardley’s journey from recruitment office worker to British heavyweight contender has captured the imagination of fans, and he’s made it clear he wants to fill the void left by aging legends like Joshua and Tyson Fury.
“I want to be a main name. I think I am well in the mix and conversation but there is definitely a lot more to achieve,” Wardley told SunSport. “Me and my team have decided to stay big, consistent and involved and make sure we are on the main stage and at the front of the picture. Because ultimately, when the AJs and Fury’s end their incredible careers, somebody needs to be the face of British heavyweight boxing and I am doing my best to throw my hat in the ring for that.”
Wardley’s willingness to take on tough opponents, rather than chase easy paydays, has endeared him to purists. His record includes a 2022 British title win over Nathan Gorman, a sensational 2023 victory over David Adeleye in Saudi Arabia, and a memorable rivalry with Frazer Clarke—culminating in a first-round knockout in their rematch. Now, with a potential world title shot against Oleksandr Usyk looming, Wardley is staying active and hungry for more.
As for Joshua, the pressure is mounting. Parker’s warning is clear: fighting Jake Paul may bring a mountain of cash, but it could do irreparable damage to his credibility as a serious heavyweight contender. “If AJ wants to be serious, then he needs to fight the top fighters in the world,” Parker insists. The message resonates with many in the boxing community, who see the sport at a crossroads—torn between money-spinning spectacles and the pursuit of genuine greatness.
Meanwhile, Eddie Hearn remains undeterred, pushing ahead with negotiations for the Joshua-Paul showdown. “Talks are still ongoing for his man to face the American in a huge crossover bout,” Hearn revealed, hinting at the commercial potential of such a fight. For Joshua, the decision is a defining one: chase the biggest payday of his career against a polarizing opponent, or rebuild his legacy the hard way—one real fight at a time.
With Parker set to face Wardley, Paul preparing for an exhibition against Gervonta Davis, and Joshua’s next move still uncertain, British heavyweight boxing finds itself at a fascinating crossroads. The next few months promise plenty of drama, big decisions, and—if the fans are lucky—some truly memorable nights in the ring.
As the dust settles on the speculation, one thing’s for sure: the eyes of the boxing world will be fixed on Joshua’s next move, and the stakes—both sporting and financial—have never been higher.
