Anthony Joshua issues coy response after Jake Paul’s shock call-out for fight
Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul have teased a huge boxing fight in 2026 after the latter's call-out.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer has been mixing it with combat sports biggest names in recent times, having recently beaten Mike Tyson last November.
He has been linked with a whole host of fights since, including coming extremely close to luring Canelo Alvarez into a mega commercial showdown.
But that failed to materialise as the champion instead selected to take on William Scull on May 3, then Terence Crawford in September.
Reports today indicated that Paul was in talks to instead face 135lbs champion Gervonta Davis, but they have since been put on hold.
But in a new attempt to lure one of boxing's superstars into a squared circle meeting, Paul has now turned his pursuit to Joshua.
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He laid into the former two-time heavyweight king, insisting he would record an unlikely victory if they touched gloves.
"He doesn't have a chin, and he has no skill and he is stiff.
"I love you Anthony, and we are friends. But I want to fight you."
It was then revealed on the pair's social media accounts that the fighters had held a stunning phone call after the podcast dropped.
They both posted a screenshot of the call log, with it appearing they had discussed a showdown.
Joshua wrote as a caption on his post '2026' with an emoji with a finger to the lips, cryptically teasing a clash.
Joshua was criticised for his last performance where he was brutally stopped by Daniel Dubois in September.
But by no means is he a spent force, and he would be an overwhelming favourite to dispatch of Paul in routine fashion.
AJ is currently out of action and has yet to pencil in his next fight as he currently struggles with injury.
Joshua wanted to face Tyson Fury, but the 'Gypsy King' decided to retire and is not now available.
It is unclear if Joshua would entertain any fight, given his focus remains on becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.
But the lure of a commercial blockbuster and a mega payday may be enough to at least bring him to the negotiating table.
Paul fought at heavyweight in his last outing with Tyson, but would still give away significant size advantages.
He would also be far less experienced and a victory would be the biggest upset in boxing history.
Joshua has spoken about Paul in the past, insisting his presence is good for the sport.
And Paul's team previously suggested it was a realistic option, insisting he wants to test the limits of what is possible.
Paul's adviser, Nakisa Bidarian, said: "Jake's feedback to me was 'I want to do that fight' [ vs Joshua].
"Not now. But I want to do that fight. To be a world champion at cruiserweight, he wants to do that.
"The other is to test the limits of expectations. Test the limits of what's possible.
"This event with Mike Tyson, that tested the limits of what was possible for the world to see and him fighting Anthony Joshua or Daniel Dubois is kind of the same thing.
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"Jake weighed in at 227lbs but really he walks around at 215. But he'll do it for the right environment, the right framework.