Anthony Joshua displayed his sportsmanship when initially commenting on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul four years ago. The two first crossed paths in Dubai three years ago, sharing a friendly interaction. At the time, Paul was gaining prominence in the boxing world after defeating former UFC champion Anderson Silva and decided to take a break in the Middle East.
During their encounter in Dubai, Joshua, who was in the region for training and leisure, spent time with Paul, training alongside Joshua’s friend Lawrence Okolie and engaging in activities like laser tag. A year earlier, Joshua had praised Paul’s impact on boxing, highlighting his bold move into the sport despite lacking amateur experience.
In an interview with IFL TV, Joshua commended Paul for his dedication and willingness to challenge himself without prior boxing background. He acknowledged the value of Paul’s steep learning curve and the pressure he put himself under, wishing him success in his endeavors.
Reflecting on their meeting, Paul expressed gratitude for the support and recognition he received from boxing legends like Roy Jones Jr., Evander Holyfield, and Tyson Fury, among others. He emphasized the importance of earning respect from peers in the industry over online criticism, citing Joshua’s endorsement as particularly meaningful to him.
Fast forward to the present, discussions have surfaced about a potential bout between Joshua and Paul. Following Paul’s claim that he could defeat Joshua, both fighters teased a showdown with images and captions hinting at a possible match in 2026. Initially slated for a later date, talks now suggest the fight might happen sooner than expected, with Paul’s promoter engaging in discussions with Eddie Hearn.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Paul’s promoter expressed optimism about the fight materializing, considering the dynamics between the two fighters. He hinted at a potential clash at the start of 2026, citing Paul’s eagerness to compete for a world title and Joshua’s readiness once he completes his recovery from surgery.
Paul aims to maintain his active status in boxing following his recent victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and his inclusion in the WBC cruiserweight rankings. While eyeing a world title opportunity, his team acknowledges the challenges in securing a title fight this year but remains focused on Paul’s progression in the sport.
