Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul's controversial fight is still not agreed, but that could change very quickly, according to his boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
And the Matchroom chief also explained how Joshua is set to fight Tyson Fury in 2026 ahead of a busy calendar for the former heavyweight champion.
It comes just days after it was reported that AJ and the American influencer were finalising details over an upcoming bout.
A reported fight between the two would reportedly see the two clash in Miami in December and would be streamed on Netflix, but Hearn has since moved to clarify that position.
Speaking to BetFred, Hearn was asked about the situation with Paul, which has already proved controversial considering the American's social media background.
Hearn said: “There’s lots of hurdles to overcome, namely whether Jake Paul really wants this fight.
Eddie Hearn has clarified rumours over a fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul
|PA
"I think he’s mad to take the fight, respect to him if he does, and the amount of money involved, if you’re Anthony Joshua, who has plans in 2026 of a fight in February and then a fight with Tyson Fury, then why not take the opportunity to have a near career-high payday for a nice little run out in December.
"I know people will have their opinions, but that’s the reality of the situation.
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"You’re just not going to turn it down, but let’s see if it’s real first.
"If it is, we’ll probably do it but if it’s not, we will announce a different opponent and move on.”
Joshua has come under fire from boxing fans and pundits alike for entertaining the idea of fighting Paul, who has faced such fighters including former MMA star Nate Diaz and a 57-year-old Mike Tyson.
Jake Paul beat Mike Tyson in November 2024 | REUTERS
Despite recent losses to Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua would be a heavy favourite to beat Paul, whose only professional loss has come against Tommy Fury.
Not least because of the 27-year-old's lack of boxing experience, but he is currently ranked at cruiserweight.
When asked to give his prediction, Hearn insisted Paul would not last long against AJ.
He said: “AJ flattens him. Jake has become a decent cruiserweight.
"I don’t think he’s a world-class cruiserweight, but he is ranked by some governing bodies and it’s a massive step up.
"The thing is, we were going to take an eight-round fight in December, on an undercard, against a guy who’s in the top 120 of the heavyweight rankings that you’ve never heard of.
Eddie Hearn confirmed Anthony Joshua's willingness to face Jake Paul | REUTERS
"So in that respect, I still believe they’d have been better than Jake Paul, but AJ wants the ability to go up there, wrap his hands, hit pads, do the ring walk and get a win under his belt.
"If that’s against Jake Paul for a lot of money, then we may well do it.”