AJ vs Jake Paul? Terms Agreed — But Why Would Joshua Risk It All?
It’s one of those headlines that makes your head tilt. AJ Jake Paul fight terms agreed. No, seriously — terms have actually been agreed, according to Eddie Hearn and Jake Paul himself.
And while contracts still need signing, the fact we’ve even got this far says something worrying about where boxing is headed.
Because let’s not get it twisted: this fight is pure spectacle. A crossover event with zero sporting value for Anthony Joshua. And for a man who says he’s only got “two years left” in the sport, time isn’t just ticking — it’s screaming.
From Undisputed Ambitions to YouTuber Sideshows?
Let’s remember where AJ once stood. Olympic gold medallist. Unified heavyweight champion. Flag bearer for British boxing.
And now? He’s entertaining a fight with a man who made his name in Disney vlogs and viral pranks.
Don’t get me wrong — I’ve tracked Jake Paul’s boxing journey from the start. I’ve even asked the question: is Jake Paul now a real boxer? And fair play, he’s put the work in, trained seriously, and stepped into the ring with more intent than most gave him credit for.
But this? This is different. This is a former world champion agreeing to give a YouTuber the biggest platform of his life — and for what? Views? Money? Clout?
AJ doesn’t need it. Which is why this fight makes zero sense.
The Risk Is All One Way
For Jake Paul, the AJ Jake Paul fight is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If he gets flattened in two rounds, so what? He’s expected to lose. But if he hangs in there — or worse, lands something freaky — the internet will explode.
It would be the biggest upset in boxing history. AJ’s entire career reduced to a meme. Legacy erased in a punch.
This isn’t just opinion — it’s a pattern. I’ve written about how Jake Paul is already flirting with cruiserweight rankings, how the lines between entertainment and boxing are blurring, and whether the Misfits model is a new era or just a passing fad.
Jake Paul benefits from all of that chaos. AJ doesn’t.
Let’s say Joshua is serious about one final run at glory. If that’s the case, the names that make sense are obvious: Daniel Dubois. Filip Hrgović. A rematch with Dillian Whyte. Even a last-chance showdown with Tyson Fury if the stars align.
These are real fights. Legacy fights. Even if he’s not chasing undisputed anymore, there’s plenty of pride — and history — still on the table.
Hell, even fighting a solid fringe contender would say more about his ambition than stepping into the ring with a YouTuber. At least then you’re building something. With Jake Paul, you’re just burning time.
And let’s not forget — the idea of an AJ vs Jake Paul fight has been brewing for a while. I even flagged it early doors when most were still laughing it off: AJ vs Jake Paul — is it possible?
It felt ridiculous then. And now? It feels like a legacy sale in slow motion.
AJ’s Legacy Deserves More Than a Cash Grab
Joshua’s not just another big name. He carried the heavyweight division through years of post-Klitschko uncertainty. He sold out Wembley. He unified belts. He made British boxing mainstream again.
That kind of legacy matters.
He’s earned the right to bow out on his own terms. But if those terms include giving Jake Paul a free ride into the heavyweight spotlight, then what was it all for?
The truth is simple: you can’t protect your reputation if you keep feeding it to the wolves of spectacle.
Where Boxing Is Headed — and Why It Needs a Line in the Sand
The sport is changing. Fast. Between crossover cards, influencer fights, and brand-first matchmaking, the traditional boxing fan is getting squeezed out.
I’ve been banging this drum for a while — covering how Misfits and others are reshaping the scene. There’s an audience for that, no doubt. But we still need structure. We still need authenticity.
Joshua choosing Paul over a genuine contender doesn’t just hurt him — it signals that everyone is for sale. And once that line’s gone, you can’t draw it back.
Sound Off — Would You Watch AJ vs Jake Paul?
So let’s hear it. Are you in for the AJ Jake Paul fight circus? Or do you want boxing to stand for something more?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this post with your mates, and check out the rest of my deep-dive fight takes over at CMBoxing.co.uk. No fluff, no fanboying — just boxing, how it should be.