Promoter Eddie Hearn could have a problem with his plans for Anthony Joshua in 2026 if he loses to Jake Paul next month on December 19th. He says Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) is “getting smashed to pieces,” but that may not play out as he hopes.
Why Joshua Can’t Afford a Slip
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is taking this fight for the money and to increase his profile for a possible fight against Tyson Fury in 2026. With the buzz the fight against Jake will create worldwide, it could motivate ‘The Gyspy King’ to come out of retirement to face AJ to enjoy the limelight, and the giant purse he’d receive.
“I think he has no chance. I think he’s going to get smashed to pieces,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to Fight Hub TV about Jake Paul having no chance against Anthony Joshua on December 19th. “We received a massive offer for a really easy fight.”
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 same fighter any longer. The punch resistance has disappeared due to 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 love the opportunity for AJ on so many levels. I think it’s a straightforward fight. It’s a massive profile, especially in the U.S,” said Hearn.
“So, we can go back in 2026 with all guns blazing with Turki Alalshikh and hopefully the plans to fight Tyson Fury. But in the meantime, we get to wrap our hands, go out there, build the profile a little bit, smash up Jake Paul, make a fortune, and on we go,” said Hearn.
It’s a lot more complicated getting the Fury fight than Hearn realizes. Joshua not only has to defeat Paul, but he might have to look vulnerable to a certain extent. If he looks too good, he could scare Fury away.
The key to Joshua getting the Fury fight
- 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, and then hopefully, Tyson Fury. It’s not 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 method to the madness besides an easy fight for loads of money,” said Hearn about him using the Paul fight to increase Joshua’s popularity heading into what he hopes will be a clash against Fury next year.
Last Updated on 11/26/2025
