Promoter Eddie Hearn could have an issue along with his plans for Anthony Joshua in 2026 if he loses to Jake Paul next month on December nineteenth. He says Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) is “getting smashed to pieces,” but that won’t play out as he hopes.
Why Joshua Can’t Afford a Slip
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is taking this fight for the cash and to extend his profile for a possible fight against Tyson Fury in 2026. With the thrill the fight against Jake will create worldwide, it could motivate ‘The Gyspy King’ to return out of retirement to face AJ to benefit from the limelight, and the large purse he’d receive.
“I feel he has no probability. I feel he’s going to get smashed to pieces,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to Fight Hub TV about Jake Paul having no probability against Anthony Joshua on December nineteenth. “We received an enormous offer for a extremely easy fight.”
Punch Resistance: The Real Issue
Hearn is viewing Joshua from the memories he had of him from the past, 10 years ago, when he was knocking everybody out. He’s not that very same fighter any longer. The punch resistance has disappeared resulting from the heavy knockouts he suffered against Andy Ruiz Jr. and Daniel Dubois. Jake could capitalize on the shell of what’s left of Joshua.
“I really like the chance for AJ on so many levels. I feel it’s an easy fight. It’s an enormous profile, especially within the U.S,” said Hearn.
AJ Chasing Fury’s Attention Again
“So, we are able to return in 2026 with all guns blazing with Turki Alalshikh and hopefully the plans to fight Tyson Fury. But within the meantime, we get to wrap our hands, go on the market, construct the profile slightly bit, smash up Jake Paul, make a fortune, and on we go,” said Hearn.
It’s quite a bit more complicated getting the Fury fight than Hearn realizes. Joshua not only has to defeat Paul, but he might need to look vulnerable to a certain extent. If he looks too good, he could scare Fury away.
Joshua’s Trick: Look Good—but Not Too Good
- Look beatable in victory against Paul
- Turki Alalshikh offers Fury a fortune
- Joshua-Paul creates massive worldwide interest
“It’ll be a fight in February, after which hopefully, Tyson Fury. It’s not right down to us. It’s Turki Alalshikh. We’re in, but Tyson has got to be in as well,” said Hearn about his hope that Fury will fight Joshua in 2026.
“This Jake Paul fight will give us the momentum from a profile perspective to make that fight so big. There’s a way to the madness besides a simple fight for a great deal of money,” said Hearn about him using the Paul fight to extend Joshua’s popularity heading into what he hopes shall be a clash against Fury next 12 months.
Last Updated on 11/26/2025