Camilla Jessen
Boxing world puzzled by Jake Paul’s response to AJ rumours.
Rumours of a December showdown between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua surged this week — but the YouTuber-turned-boxer has poured fresh doubt over the story with a cryptic late-night post.
Reports circulating on Wednesday suggested that Netflix was preparing to announce the heavyweight clash on Monday, with the bout slated for Miami in mid-December.
The matchup was said to have emerged after Paul’s proposed fight with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis fell through.
But Paul’s latest message on X has left fans unsure whether the highly speculated event is happening at all.
A puzzling message
As fan chatter grew online, Paul posted: “Not holding my breath for 2025. Too many yes men. F1 next weekend is for sure.”
The comment triggered a wave of speculation that he may not be stepping into the ring with Joshua this year after all.
Some fans accused him of backing out, while others suggested he was simply stirring hype, something the 28-year-old has been known to do.
Responses ranged from mockery to frustration, with one user writing: “So who’s grandpa are you fighting next since you ducked AJ?” Another added: “At least AJ won’t be putting you in intensive care at Christmas.”
Still, many pleaded for clarity: “Are we gonna be waiting even longer?”
Reports say the fight is real
Despite Paul’s ambiguous post, reporting around the fight has continued.
The Ring’s Mike Coppinger previously stated the two camps were “finalising a deal,” later adding that the bout — a full professional fight, not an exhibition — was targeted for Friday, 19 December, according to his sources.
If confirmed, the matchup would mark a dramatic leap for Paul, whose previous opponents have included ex-UFC fighters, influencers and retired athletes. Facing Joshua — a former unified world heavyweight champion — would be by far the most significant challenge of his career.
A professional designation would also mean full scoring by judges, no exhibition-style gimmicks and an official result on both fighters’ records.
Hearn fuels the speculation
Promoter Eddie Hearn added to the intrigue earlier this week while discussing Joshua’s potential return to the ring.
“We will make a decision this week in terms of if he will fight this year,” Hearn told reporters. “If he fights this year, it’s just gonna be a… You probably won’t even hear about it, unless it’s Jake Paul.”
The comment has been widely interpreted as a hint that the bout is at least being seriously considered.
Sources: LADbible; The Ring; statements from Eddie Hearn
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, who may have used AI in the preparation
