Matchroom CEO Frank Smith believes Anthony Joshua fighting Jake Paul is bigger than competing against Tyson Fury.
Former boxing heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to fight polarizing star Jake Paul in the ring. Joshua, who hasn’t fought since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last year, would easily be the toughest test of Paul’s boxing career.
Before the Paul fight began negotiations, Joshua was briefly linked to an all-UK showdown with Tyson Fury. The two UK heavyweight legends have long been discussed in a potential matchup in the ring, but the fight has never materialized.
After repeated failed bookings, Joshua’s promoter believes the Paul fight provides a bigger opportunity for Joshua’s legacy.
Matchroom CEO touts Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua as bigger fight than Tyson Fury
In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith shared a hot take regarding the Joshua vs. Paul matchup.
“Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul on the global scale is bigger than Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury. That is the world we live in right now,” Smith said.
“The Tyson Fury fight is still a huge fight, and if he decides to come back from retirement, I’m sure that can also get made in 2026.
“AJ has done everything in the sport, he still has a lot more to offer but in this business people get written off.
“I think you will see him in a great year next year in the biggest events possible.
“From a commercial perspective he’s in the driving seat, AJ delivers the biggest numbers.”
Despite Joshua’s obvious experience advantage, Smith touted Paul as a worthy opponent for the former heavyweight champ.
“I think you have to respect what Jake Paul has done. He’s not at the level of Anthony Joshua, and he keeps calling people and one day these fights will happen,” Smith said of Paul.
“This is the reality, and I think this could be the end of Jake Paul’s influencer dreams of becoming a boxer.
“I don’t think he can knock out AJ, but we shall see.”
Most of Paul’s victories have come by knockout, including his recent wins over the likes of Mike Perry, Tyron Woodley, and Andre August. Paul is on a six-fight win streak since suffering his first-career defeat to Tommy Fury in 2023.
Despite Paul and Joshua’s potential fight in advanced stages, a famed coach believes Paul is making a dramatic mistake.
Famed boxing coach warns Jake Paul against taking Anthony Joshua fight
Amid the Paul vs. Joshua fight rumors, famed coach Ben Davison labeled the fight ‘really dangerous’ for Paul if it comes to fruition. He touted Joshua’s knockout win over Francis Ngannou as a clear example of why Paul shouldn’t accept the challenge.
Paul has fought at heavyweight just once in his career; against Mike Tyson last year. He won the fight by unanimous decision.
Paul will be at a significant weight and height disadvantage against Joshua. Depending on how much weight Paul will gain for the Joshua fight, the size difference between them could be staggering.
A Paul vs. Joshua fight announcement could be made in the coming weeks.