Eddie Hearn reckons we could see Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua in 2026. Sounds wild, right? But here’s the problem – the Paul Joshua UK licence might never even get approved.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) could shut it down before we even get to a press conference. And to be honest, I think they’d be right to.
I’m not exactly quiet about my views on influencer boxing – not a fan. But even if you are into it, you’ve got to admit this fight is another level. This isn’t just a step up for Jake Paul – it’s a leap into a different galaxy.
Why the Board Could Say No
Let’s break it down. On one side you’ve got Anthony Joshua – two-time unified heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medallist, and a man who’s been in with the likes of Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk, and Andy Ruiz Jr.
On the other side, Jake Paul – cruiserweight, fewer than a dozen pro fights, no opponents anywhere close to AJ’s calibre.
We’re not talking about a fair risk here. We’re talking about putting someone who’s never fought above cruiserweight against a 6’6” heavyweight who’s known for brutal knockouts. That’s why the Paul Joshua UK licence could, and should, be denied.
For a full breakdown of why this match-up is so dangerous, check out our deep dive here.
Why This is Dangerous for Jake Paul
Jake Paul deserves credit – he trains hard, he’s improved massively, and he’s taken his boxing career seriously. But there’s a huge difference between going the distance with a fellow cruiserweight and taking clean shots from Anthony Joshua.
AJ’s power isn’t just about size – it’s the snap, the speed, the timing. One mistake, and it’s lights out. You can’t train your chin to take that kind of power.
The Paul Joshua UK licence process exists to protect fighters from exactly this kind of scenario – and if it’s applied properly, it should be an easy “no.”
Bad for Jake, Bad for Boxing
Look, I’m not here to stop people making money or fans enjoying themselves. But fights like this risk making a mockery of boxing’s rules and safety standards.
There’s a place for crossover bouts. Paul vs a seasoned cruiserweight? Fine. I might not tune in, but I won’t complain. Paul vs Joshua? That’s not competitive – it’s a mismatch dressed up as a megafight.
We’ve already looked at the commercial hype and promotional angle in detail here – but “marketable” doesn’t always mean “morally acceptable.”
It’s Happened Before: Haye vs Chisora, 2012
This wouldn’t be the first time the BBBofC has refused to sanction a big fight. Back in July 2012, David Haye and Dereck Chisora were set for a grudge match at Upton Park. Chisora had been suspended indefinitely after his antics with Vitali Klitschko and that infamous brawl with Haye in Munich. Haye wasn’t even licensed at the time.
The Board flat-out refused to give the fight the green light. So, what happened? Promoter Frank Warren took it to the Luxembourg Boxing Federation instead. The fight went ahead, drew nearly 30,000 fans, and still made money – but it happened without British approval.
And here’s the kicker – the BBBofC threatened to pull the licences of anyone involved. They weren’t bluffing either. That was a real example of the Board standing firm, even when commercial pressure was massive.
So, if they could refuse to sanction Haye vs Chisora on disciplinary grounds, they can absolutely refuse the Paul Joshua UK licence on safety grounds.
If the UK Says No…
Let’s not kid ourselves – if the BBBofC says no, the promoters won’t just walk away. They’ll take the fight abroad. Saudi Arabia, the US, maybe even Australia – all have commissions more willing to approve high-risk mismatches if the purse is big enough.
But if they do that, it proves what a lot of us are already saying – this isn’t a serious sporting contest. It’s an event. And that’s fine, as long as we stop pretending it’s anything else.
For me, this is simple. The Paul Joshua UK licence should never be approved. If the BBBofC is serious about protecting fighters and the sport’s reputation, this fight has no business being in a British ring.
They’ve stood firm before – just ask Haye and Chisora – and they should do it again.
What do you think? Should the Board shut it down, or let the spectacle go ahead? Drop your thoughts in the comments and check out CMBoxing.co.uk for more no-nonsense boxing opinion.