Jake Paul is absolutely the “front-runner” to fight Anthony Joshua next, says promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua, who has not fought since losing to Daniel Dubois in September last year, underwent elbow surgery in May but is targeting a return to the ring later in 2025.
Since then, YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Paul has beaten veterans Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at heavyweight and cruiserweight respectively.
After defeating Chavez by unanimous decision last month, Paul audaciously called for a showdown with Joshua and has met with Turki Alalshikh to try and make it happen.
Paul propelled himself to fame on YouTube but has now won 12 fights after launching his boxing career in 2020.
The 28-year-old suffered defeat to Tommy Fury in 2023 but has gone on to beat former UFC star Nate Diaz, professional American boxers Andre August and Ryan Bourland, plus former UFC fighter Mike Perry.
A controversially-sanctioned bout against Tyson is Paul’s only heavyweight fight so far, before he stepped down to cruiserweight against Chavez.