Anthony Joshua emerges as potential challenger for Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua has emerged as a surprise contender to face Jake Paul after Gervonta Davis’ scheduled fight with the YouTuber-turned-boxer was thrown into doubt amid serious legal allegations, reports BritPanorama.
Paul was due to meet Davis in an exhibition bout on November 14 in Miami, streamed globally on Netflix, but the event now hangs in the balance following accusations against Davis of battery and kidnapping by his former partner, Courtney Rossel.
Most Valuable Promotions, the company co-founded by Paul, has confirmed it is conducting an internal review before deciding whether the bout will proceed. In a statement, the organisation said, “Most Valuable Promotions immediately initiated an investigation upon learning of the civil lawsuit filed against Gervonta Davis in Miami-Dade County on October 30, 2025.”
Following the uncertainty surrounding the high-profile fight, Paul’s team has begun preparing contingency plans. The organisation added, “At this time, we are gathering information and reviewing the details to ensure any decision we make is thoroughly vetted. We unequivocally condemn any form of violence and are committed to handling this matter with diligence and respect for all involved. We will make a determination on next steps once we have completed our review and consulted with the appropriate parties.”
Currently, five names are reportedly under consideration as potential replacements for Davis: Anthony Joshua, Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, Nate Diaz, and Francis Ngannou. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has initiated talks with Paul’s business partner Nakisa Bidarian about the possibility, although significant contractual hurdles remain. Hearn indicated, “There would have to be a lot of things that fall into place. But it’s possible.”
Joshua has not fought since his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, but Hearn has suggested that a return before the end of the year is feasible. A clash with Paul would likely generate significant global interest, especially given the mounting appetite for celebrity boxing spectacles.
In addition to Joshua, other potential opponents also carry considerable intrigue. Crawford, fresh from a victory over Canelo Alvarez, has claimed he would only fight Paul for an extraordinary $200 million. Meanwhile, Garcia has been linked with a December bout against Paul, but promoter Oscar De La Hoya dismissed the idea due to broadcasting conflicts, stating, “Ryan fights for DAZN and Jake Paul fights on Netflix; that’s pretty much the bottom line.”
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou is another option; he has boxed twice, knocking down Tyson Fury in his debut before losing on points and subsequently suffering a knockout against Joshua. Ngannou returned to mixed martial arts in 2024 with a victory and is actively pursuing a fight with Deontay Wilder.
Diaz, who faced Paul in August 2023, has also expressed interest in a rematch, claiming he was injured during their previous encounter. “They trippin’, I still won this fight,” Diaz wrote on social media. Meanwhile, Davis’s future remains uncertain as the scrutinising atmosphere surrounding him unfolds.
As the boxing world watches with bated breath, the prospect of Joshua facing Paul not only invites speculation about the fight itself but also highlights the unpredictable nature of modern boxing, where crossovers and controversies redefine the sport’s landscape.
