Jake Paul has revealed that Anthony Joshua personally called him following his viral callout, with the pair discussing a potential heavyweight showdown in 2026.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer claims Joshua was eager to accept his challenge after Paul's controversial comments went viral.
"We're going to plan that for 2026. I talked to Anthony on the phone," Paul said after the Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano press conference.
"He called me up and said, 'I saw you call me out, let's run it. Let's make it happen.'"
Boxing news: Jake Paul has revealed that Anthony Joshua personally called him following his viral callout, with the pair discussing a potential heavyweight showdown in 2026
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Paul's callout of Joshua was particularly scathing, with the American making bold claims about the British heavyweight's abilities.
"I want to fight Anthony Joshua - exclusive - because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua's ass," Paul, 28, said on his podcast.
"He doesn't have a chin, and he has no skill and he's stiff. I love you Anthony, we're friends, all this s*** but I want to fight you."
The inflammatory comments quickly spread across social media, prompting Joshua's direct phone call to Paul.
Despite the American's confidence, he would face a significant weight disadvantage against Joshua.
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Boxing news: Anthony Joshua hasn't had a fight since losing to Daniel Dubois in September
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Paul weighed 16st 2lb for his controversial heavyweight debut against 58-year-old Mike Tyson last November.
Joshua, however, tipped the scales at 18st for his September knockout loss to Daniel Dubois - making him two stone heavier than Paul.
Paul's fight with Tyson drew massive attention, with Netflix reporting 100 million viewers for what was the streaming platform's first live boxing event.
The 28-year-old's promotional partner, Nakisa Bidarian, explained why the fight isn't happening sooner.
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"Jake realises he needs some more in-ring experience to be in the best position to hold his own against Anthony Joshua. So we're not rushing into a fight against Joshua," Bidarian said.
He added that they aren't "financially dependent" on a Joshua fight for their business to succeed.
The plan includes at least two Paul fights in 2025 before seriously considering the Joshua matchup in 2026.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that AJ is interested in the fight, but wants it to happen sooner.
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Hearn suggested the bout could take place this year rather than waiting until 2026.
Paul was recently close to announcing a cruiserweight fight with Canelo Alvarez for May 3 in Las Vegas.
However, Canelo walked away at the last minute, signing a four-bout deal with Saudi Arabia's Turki Alalshikh instead.
Paul also considered an exhibition bout against WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, who is seven stone lighter.
Boxing news: Jake Paul is keeping his cards close to his chest when it comes to his next opponent amid talk it will be a lucrative bout with Anthony Joshua
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Davis, however, is now set to rematch Lamont Roach following their controversial draw.
Paul has teased that his next opponent will be revealed imminently.
"We do have an announcement next week but I'm just not going to leak anything," Paul said.
"We've had these fights pulled twice now at the one-yard line, Canelo, Gervonta, so I'm just not going to jinx it and say anything."
