Sources close to the talks say the fight is being targeted for Miami next month, and while final details are still being hammered out, an official announcement could arrive as early as next week. The contest would mark Joshua’s first appearance since his heavy defeat to Daniel Dubois, which took place more than a year ago.
According to insiders, the proposed clash would be recognised as a full professional fight under Queensbury rules, firmly distancing it from the exhibition-style events often associated with celebrity boxing.
A significant catalyst behind the negotiations is Netflix, which is eager to broadcast the bout. The streaming giant is currently producing a documentary on Joshua and previously handled Jake Paul’s 2024 fight against Mike Tyson—a spectacle that pulled in over 60 million viewers worldwide. The enormous audience figures have strengthened Netflix’s appetite for another high-profile combat sports event.
The momentum has also been boosted by the collapse of Paul’s proposed matchup with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, reviving long-standing rumours linking him with Joshua.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, acknowledged the talks but warned against assuming the deal is sealed.
“It is not done yet,” he told Daily Mail Sport. “There has been a lot of gun jumping on this. I think Jake Paul would be mad to take the fight, but we are in talks. We were discussing a very low-key fight for AJ, but an opportunity has come up to make 50 times more money.”
Hearn conceded that the fight may not contribute meaningfully to Joshua’s legacy, but emphasised that the former champion’s accomplishments speak for themselves.
“Would it be great for Joshua’s legacy? No. But I’ll tell you what is—two-time heavyweight world champion and an Olympic gold medal. This is an opportunity, and fair play to Paul if he wants to get in that ring because AJ won’t be messing about.”
Jake Paul currently boasts a 12-1 record, built largely against lower-tier opposition and retired legends. His sole defeat came against Tommy Fury in 2023.
Promoter Frank Warren, representing Tyson Fury, also commented on the potential fight.
“People are going to criticise it, but I don’t see it that way,” he said. “As long as these guys are fit, which they are, then I don’t have a problem. It will get a huge audience. AJ doesn’t cause a lot of noise in the US, and Paul does. People like car crashes. It will do well.”
Beyond the financial stakes, the bout offers Joshua a meaningful chance to shake off ring rust after his long layoff. He resumed light training earlier this year, underwent minor elbow surgery in May, and increased his conditioning program again in October.
With massive money, global attention, and competitive intrigue converging, the Joshua–Paul negotiations are shaping up to deliver one of the most talked-about events in modern boxing—if the final signatures land.