Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Mega-Fight Talks for Early 2026 as Wembley Stadium Is Touted

In a bold new chapter of his boxing career, Jake Paul is setting his sights on a potential showdown with heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, despite facing setbacks in his quest to fight elite boxers. With promoter Nakisa Bidarian expressing optimism about the matchup, fans are buzzing at the prospect of seeing Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) take on Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) as early as 2026, a clash that could redefine both fighters’ legacies and shake up the boxing landscape.

Jake Paul’s Aspirations in Boxing

Jake Paul has made a name for himself in the boxing world, transitioning from a social media influencer to a legitimate combat athlete. His desire to fight elite boxers like Anthony Joshua underscores his ambition to solidify his status in the sport. Not only does he relish the challenge of facing a former heavyweight champion, but he aims to prove that he belongs among boxing’s elite. With a professional record of 12 wins against just one loss, he has shown significant growth and determination in the ring.

Following his unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28, 2025, Paul has expressed a fierce desire to take on Joshua, who holds a remarkable record of 28 wins and 4 losses. Paul’s promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, has hinted that this matchup could be one for the ages, describing it as a ‘biblical’ clash of titans. Paul’s unyielding confidence and ambition suggest that he is preparing to push his limits further than ever.

The Challenge of Fighting Anthony Joshua

Promoter Nakisa Bidarian remains optimistic about the prospect of making this fight a reality, and has confirmed that discussions are underway with Matchroom Boxing. He highlighted the potential appeal of the matchup, with its contrasting styles and experiences. Paul, who is still relatively new to boxing, has displayed rapid improvement, while Joshua, who has endured ups and downs in recent years, might offer a suitable challenge for Paul. The matchup could attract significant interest from fans and media alike, especially considering Joshua’s star power in the heavyweight division.

Bidarian has pointed to a tentative timeline, suggesting that a fight could happen as early as 2026. This timeframe aligns with Joshua’s recovery from recent shoulder surgery, indicating that both fighters may need to be at their best to ensure a competitive bout. The prospect of hosting the fight at Wembley Stadium further adds excitement, with Paul relishing the idea of performing in front of a large crowd, even if it means facing mixed reactions from the audience.

Reactions to Paul’s Aspirations

Industry reactions to Paul’s intentions have been mixed, reflecting the polarised opinions surrounding his boxing career. Supporters commend his eagerness to challenge established champions, arguing it could bring fresh perspectives and excitement to the sport. Critics, however, remain sceptical, questioning whether someone with only a handful of fights under their belt should be aiming for a bout against a seasoned veteran like Joshua. On social media and among boxing enthusiasts, there is an ongoing debate about the merits of such a fight. Many are intrigued but also express concerns about the competitiveness of the matchup, especially given Joshua’s knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. Nevertheless, Paul’s ambition to engage with the best offers a unique narrative to follow and may influence the fight’s outcome.

Looking Ahead to Future Promotions

With discussions reportedly in progress between Paul’s camp and Matchroom Boxing, fans are eager to see how this potential fight develops. Bidarian has indicated that they are actively exploring the feasibility of this bout. Factors such as training camps, venue arrangements, and promotional strategies will heavily influence whether this dream fight can take place. As the boxing landscape continues to evolve, matchups between seasoned veterans and rising stars like Jake Paul become all the more compelling. Whatever unfolds, it is clear that the industry is paying keen attention to this potential bout, recognising its implications for both fighters and boxing’s overall narrative.

In summary, Jake Paul’s desire to fight Anthony Joshua is generating significant buzz in the boxing world, with promoter Nakisa Bidarian expressing optimism about a possible matchup in early 2026. This could mark a pivotal moment for both fighters, raising questions about their legacies and the excitement of boxing’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1. What is the status of Jake Paul’s potential fight with Anthony Joshua?

Jake Paul is eager to fight Anthony Joshua, with discussions ongoing between his promoter, Nakisa Bidarian, and Matchroom. Though the matchup isn’t finalised yet, there is optimism about making this biblical clash happen.

1. 1. When is the proposed fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua expected to take place?

The fight is tentatively targeted for early 2026, as both fighters are deemed ready to compete.

1. 1. What is Jake Paul’s boxing record as of now?

Jake Paul currently holds a record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and 7 knockouts, following his recent victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr..

1. 1. How has Anthony Joshua’s performance been leading up to this potential fight?

Anthony Joshua’s last bout ended in a knockout loss against Daniel Dubois in their IBF heavyweight title match on September 21, 2024.

1. 1. Where might the fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua take place?

While the venue is not confirmed yet, Jake Paul has expressed interest in hosting the fight at Wembley Stadium, potentially in front of a massive crowd.