The Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight rumour mill has gone into absolute overdrive, and honestly, I’m struggling to believe this is where boxing’s at. Yet here we are. The whispers are getting louder — social media buzz, tabloid headlines, and fan debates all pointing toward one outrageous question: could AJ really step into the ring with Jake Paul?
Could it happen? Maybe.
Should it happen? Absolutely not.
Let’s break down the noise, the business behind it, and why this whole thing — if it goes ahead — could be another nail in the coffin for serious boxing.
A Match That Makes No Sense… Unless You Love Circus Acts
Let’s be blunt: Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul isn’t a real fight in boxing terms. It’s a pantomime. A money-grab dressed up in gloves.
AJ is a former two-time heavyweight world champion, still active, still in the mix. Jake Paul? He’s a YouTuber who’s made more headlines than highlight reels. He’s built a brand on spectacle, not substance. Say what you want about his hustle — he’s smart, he trains, and he sells — but he is not on the level of a top-tier heavyweight.
Even mentioning them in the same breath is wild.
And yes, Jake’s been in the ring with names like Floyd Mayweather, Nate Diaz, and earlier this year, Mike Tyson. But come on — those were exhibitions at best, glorified sparring matches where both sides cashed in. None of those men are in their primes, and none were meaningful contests.
AJ, on the other hand, is still fighting for something. Rankings. Redemption. Legacy. Which brings us to the real question…
What Would Be Better for AJ Than This?
Literally almost anything.
Let’s talk real options. If Joshua wants a proper test, a crowd-pleaser, and something that still means something in boxing, he doesn’t have to look far:
- Dillian Whyte II – The rematch writes itself. History, bad blood, mutual respect… and it would be a proper tear-up. Fans would be all over it, especially after Whyte’s recent form.
- Joe Joyce – Big, powerful, relentless. Joyce is still rebuilding after defeat but remains a credible threat. That fight would be a battle of styles — and it matters for the domestic scene.
- Zhilei Zhang – A dangerous southpaw who’s already upset Joyce. High-risk, yes, but it’d show AJ still wants to prove himself.
- Otto Wallin – If AJ wants to stay sharp but avoid the very top just yet, Wallin’s durable, awkward, and no walk in the park.
- Andy Ruiz III – Settle the trilogy once and for all.
The point is, all of those fights do more for Joshua’s career than the Jake Paul circus. They might not bring in the same payday — but they actually help him rebuild. They mean something. They’re boxing.
The Harsh Truth: This Is About Money. And Nothing Else.
Feel free to disagree with me in the comments — honestly, I welcome it — but let’s not pretend this is anything other than a massive cash-in.
Jake Paul doesn’t belong in the ring with AJ. The Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight is not about rankings, belts, or pride. It’s about profit. Plain and simple. It’s the business of boxing at its most blatant. And I get it — when someone waves nine figures at you, it’s hard to walk away.
But just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
If this fight happens, it’s not because AJ’s chasing greatness. It’s because both sides want the payday. And that’s the kind of decision that, long-term, chips away at the credibility of the sport.
Where Do We Draw the Line?
I’ve been saying this for years (just check out my post on Misfits Boxing) — influencer boxing is pulling the sport further and further into sideshow territory. The fans who’ve been here for the long haul, the ones who actually care about boxing, are being sidelined for clicks, cash, and viral moments.
AJ getting in with Jake Paul wouldn’t be entertainment. It’d be a sad turning point.
He doesn’t need this fight. And neither does boxing.
Final Thoughts: This Ain’t It
If you’ve followed this site for any length of time, you’ll know I’m not exactly shy about calling this stuff out. The Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight is everything wrong with modern boxing rolled into one press release.
Yes, it might do numbers. Yes, it might trend on social media.
But in the long run, it doesn’t help the sport. It doesn’t help Joshua. And it doesn’t help fans like you and me who just want to see proper fights.
Your Turn — Sound Off Below
Do you think I’m being too harsh? Would you actually tune in to see this madness play out? Or are you, like me, sick of seeing boxing treated like a content farm?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this post if you agree (or even if you don’t), and make sure to head over to CMBoxing.co.uk for more honest, no-fluff boxing coverage.