Anthony Joshua could earn a staggering £100 million for a potential mega-fight with Jake Paul, with his promoter Eddie Hearn confirming the former heavyweight champion is open to the bout.
The crossover clash could shatter pay-per-view records if it materialises.
Hearn revealed Joshua's interest after Paul brazenly called out the two-time heavyweight world champion on his podcast last week.
"When Jake Paul comes out and you know you're gonna make £100million, obviously like any man with a brain would go, 'Oh, OK, line it up,'" Hearn told The Sun.
Paul claimed on his BS w/ Jake Paul podcast that he would beat Joshua, saying the Brit has "no chin or skill".
"I know my boundaries," Paul said. "I want to fight Anthony Joshua because I know that I will f*****g beat Anthony Joshua's a**."
Joshua responded by phoning Paul directly, posting on Instagram with the caption "2026" to hint at a potential fight date.
Hearn questioned the need to wait, saying: "Do it in 2025 if you really want to do it."
Hearn believes the potential clash could break all pay-per-view records, predicting massive global interest.
"In the UK two million. In America, two million. I mean, probably a 10 million pay-per-view fight," Hearn estimated.
This would far exceed the current PPV record held by Floyd Mayweather's 2015 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which generated 4.4 million buys.
Mayweather's 2017 crossover bout with UFC star Conor McGregor was close behind with 4.3 million purchases.
Paul has had 12 professional fights, with his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury in 2023.
His most recent bout was an eight-round points victory over heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, 58, in November.
Joshua, meanwhile, is coming off a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September.
The 35-year-old former champion has not returned to the ring since that defeat.
Hearn confirmed Joshua's willingness to face Paul, telling Matchroom Boxing: "Those two have spoken, I spoke to AJ this morning and he went, 'Of course, I'll fight him'."
There remains a significant size difference between the fighters, with Joshua weighing 252.5lb (18st) for his last bout while Paul had to bulk up to 227lb (16st 2lb) for the Tyson fight.
"He's dwarfed by AJ in every manner," Hearn noted about Paul.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Joshua is currently unable to train due to an injury setback, according to Hearn.
Despite this, the former champion is expected to return for a major fight later in 2025.
Paul, meanwhile, has not fought since his victory over Tyson and recently saw a potential mega-fight with Canelo Alvarez collapse.
The Mexican boxer pulled out of talks to instead sign a four-bout deal with Saudi Arabia's Turki Alalshikh.
Find Out More...
The crossover clash could shatter pay-per-view records if it materialises.
Hearn revealed Joshua's interest after Paul brazenly called out the two-time heavyweight world champion on his podcast last week.
"When Jake Paul comes out and you know you're gonna make £100million, obviously like any man with a brain would go, 'Oh, OK, line it up,'" Hearn told The Sun.
Paul claimed on his BS w/ Jake Paul podcast that he would beat Joshua, saying the Brit has "no chin or skill".
"I know my boundaries," Paul said. "I want to fight Anthony Joshua because I know that I will f*****g beat Anthony Joshua's a**."
Joshua responded by phoning Paul directly, posting on Instagram with the caption "2026" to hint at a potential fight date.
Hearn questioned the need to wait, saying: "Do it in 2025 if you really want to do it."
Hearn believes the potential clash could break all pay-per-view records, predicting massive global interest.
"In the UK two million. In America, two million. I mean, probably a 10 million pay-per-view fight," Hearn estimated.
This would far exceed the current PPV record held by Floyd Mayweather's 2015 fight with Manny Pacquiao, which generated 4.4 million buys.
Mayweather's 2017 crossover bout with UFC star Conor McGregor was close behind with 4.3 million purchases.
Paul has had 12 professional fights, with his only defeat coming against Tommy Fury in 2023.
His most recent bout was an eight-round points victory over heavyweight legend Mike Tyson, 58, in November.
Joshua, meanwhile, is coming off a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September.
The 35-year-old former champion has not returned to the ring since that defeat.
Hearn confirmed Joshua's willingness to face Paul, telling Matchroom Boxing: "Those two have spoken, I spoke to AJ this morning and he went, 'Of course, I'll fight him'."
There remains a significant size difference between the fighters, with Joshua weighing 252.5lb (18st) for his last bout while Paul had to bulk up to 227lb (16st 2lb) for the Tyson fight.
"He's dwarfed by AJ in every manner," Hearn noted about Paul.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Donald Trump's stance on Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump relationship revealed after statement released
- Steve Bruce, 64, mourns 'tragedy of all tragedies' after tragic death of baby grandson
- World Athletics to combat transgender issues as Lord Sebastian Coe announces huge shake-up to rules
Joshua is currently unable to train due to an injury setback, according to Hearn.
Despite this, the former champion is expected to return for a major fight later in 2025.
Paul, meanwhile, has not fought since his victory over Tyson and recently saw a potential mega-fight with Canelo Alvarez collapse.
The Mexican boxer pulled out of talks to instead sign a four-bout deal with Saudi Arabia's Turki Alalshikh.
Find Out More...