Eddie Hearn, promoter for Anthony Joshua, has confirmed that negotiations for a potential fight with Jake Paul remain active, with the outcome of Paul’s upcoming exhibition against Gervonta “Tank” Davis possibly influencing the likelihood.
In an exclusive with TMZ Sports, Hearn revealed that discussions between Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and Joshua’s camp have not stalled, despite Paul’s scheduled bout with Davis on November 14 in Atlanta. He emphasized that the talks are ongoing and that both parties are seriously considering the matchup. Paul, the social media sensation turned boxer, is preparing for his fight with Davis, which has garnered significant attention for its potential impact on his career trajectory.
Hearn disclosed that he told Nakisa Bidarian, Paul’s business partner, that a convincing loss to Davis could reduce the chances of a fight with Joshua. If Davis dominates Paul, it might make the Joshua fight less appealing due to the size and skill disparity. Earlier reports from July indicated that talks began in earnest, with Hearn describing the possibility as “very real” and estimating a 50-50 chance of it happening, while also warning Paul about Joshua’s knockout power.
Expressing concerns, Hearn labeled the potential fight a “mismatch” and dangerous, given Joshua’s experience as a former heavyweight champion compared to Paul’s background in celebrity boxing. However, he acknowledged the enormous commercial potential, noting that it could be one of the biggest fights in history, with massive global interest and revenue. Hearn praised Paul for energizing the sport and making boxing “red hot” with his high-profile matches.
Joshua has been out of the ring since his loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, while Paul last fought in June 2025, defeating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Both are seeking major fights to boost their profiles. The boxing community is closely watching Paul’s performance against Davis, as it could either lead to a historic clash with Joshua or shift the dynamics of entertainment boxing. Hearn’s latest comments suggest that while obstacles exist, the possibility remains open for this unprecedented event.