Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul: Hearn Confirms Heavyweight Contest Under Queensberry Rules
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A potential fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul is gaining momentum, but will be a legitimate heavyweight contest—not an exhibition—governed by Queensberry rules, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. While no agreement is finalized, discussions are underway for a bout that could dramatically shift both fighters’ trajectories.
Hearn addressed the speculation on Thursday, emphatically stating, “No, not an exhibition. We’re not interested in exhibitions. It’s a real fight.” He acknowledged that details remain to be ironed out, including weight and round length, but confirmed the intention is a full-fledged professional contest.
Queensberry Rules Set the Stage for a Serious Clash
The proposed fight will adhere to Queensberry rules, a set of regulations established in 1867 that prioritize fighter safety and fair play. These rules typically include:
- Competition gloves, rather than the larger, more padded sparring gloves.
- Three-minute rounds, potentially limited to eight rounds for a non-title bout.
- No headguards.
- A scored contest with a clear winner and loser.
- A weight limit, which may be adjusted to accommodate Jake Paul.
Hearn clarified that Joshua, a cruiserweight by classification, would be moving up to the heavyweight division for the fight. He initially anticipated an eight-round bout on a smaller card, but the potential financial windfall from facing Paul has significantly altered the landscape.
Financial Incentives Drive Negotiations
The financial implications of a Joshua-Paul fight are substantial. According to Hearn, the potential purse is “50 times more money than we were going to fight for” with other opponents. He indicated that a deal could be reached as early as next week, though cautioned, “It’s not done, despite rumours.”
Hearn revealed that Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Paul’s promotional company, initiated contact. He admitted that the sheer amount of money involved makes it difficult to dismiss the opportunity, stating, “It would be virtually impossible for the levels of money involved to turn down the opportunity to be in that fight.”
Fury Fight Remains the Ultimate Goal
Despite the allure of a lucrative clash with Paul, Hearn emphasized that a mega-bout between Joshua and Tyson Fury remains the primary objective. Plans are already in motion for a potential fight with Fury in February 2026, facilitated by Turki Al-Sheikh.
“Our plan is really cemented with Turki Al-Sheikh for 2026,” Hearn explained. “And that’s a big fight in February, and then Tyson Fury. That’s what is being discussed.” He positioned a potential fight with Paul as a possible interim bout, stating, “If we do run out, and just wipe out Jake Paul before Christmas, and make I don’t know, £50m or £60m, sweet as a nut. If not, we won’t do it, and we’ll wait until February.”
Doubts About Paul’s Chances, But Respect for the Opportunity
Hearn expressed skepticism about Paul’s ability to compete with Joshua, suggesting that Paul and his team harbor a misguided belief in Joshua’s decline. “They believe that Anthony Joshua is shot,” Hearn stated. “They believe he’s been inactive for a year and a half.” However, he acknowledged Paul’s courage in pursuing the fight, adding, “If he does it, he’s a brave man.”
Hearn also conceded that the potential financial reward is too significant to ignore. “We ain’t turning this down,” he affirmed. “For that type of money to go out there and have a little run out, no problem at all.” He reiterated that the pursuit of world championship aspirations and the fight with Fury remain the top priorities, but a bout with Paul would serve as a lucrative detour.
Ultimately, Hearn believes Paul’s team genuinely believes they have a path to victory, despite the odds. “I actually think, crazily, there are people in his team and even Jake Paul that believe they can win this fight,” he concluded. “For me, no chance. But who knows?”
