Promoter Eddie Hearn claims Jake Paul is jeopardising a possible showdown with Anthony Joshua by taking on Gervonta Davis in an exhibition fight.
Eddie Hearn has warned that Jake Paul could be jeopardising a potential blockbuster bout with Anthony Joshua by stepping into the ring for an exhibition against Gervonta Davis.
Hearn, who promotes Joshua, revealed that a fight between AJ and Paul remains on the table, but insisted it could fall apart if Paul suffers defeat against the lightweight world champion.
“It’s a huge size difference between Paul and Davis. Who knows what happens?” Hearn told Sky Sports. “They’ve approached me about making the Joshua fight, but I said we can’t look at that until after the Davis exhibition. If Jake gets knocked out by Gervonta Davis, there’s no way he’s fighting Anthony Joshua. We’d prefer that fight didn’t even happen if we’re serious about AJ.”
Hearn stressed that Joshua’s career does not hinge on Paul: “We’re certainly not waiting around for Jake Paul. We’re making our own plans for January or February 2026.”
Joshua, meanwhile, has reignited his rivalry with Tyson Fury, calling him out on social media. The two British heavyweights have long been linked but never shared a ring. AJ still hopes Fury will come out of retirement for an all-British showdown, though his immediate priority is rebuilding after last year’s defeat to Daniel Dubois.
The former two-time world champion is back in training, and Hearn confirmed positive talks are underway to lock in his next fight. A return is being targeted for early 2026, with French Olympic gold medallist Tony Yoka among the possible opponents.
In short: Jake Paul’s gamble against Gervonta Davis could cost him a dream matchup with Anthony Joshua.
