Jake Paul targets Tyson Fury showdown after Anthony Joshua fight
American boxer Jake Paul has declared he will face Tyson Fury in 2025 should he emerge victorious against Anthony Joshua in their upcoming Miami clash on 19 December, reports BritPanorama.
The heavyweight contest between Paul and the former two-time unified champion represents a significant step up in competition for the 28-year-old American. Boxing promoters and Saudi officials have already begun discussing a potential Joshua-Fury superfight for next year, presuming the British boxer prevails.
Paul expressed supreme confidence in his chances. “It’s going to be me v Tyson Fury next year,” he stated, dismissing suggestions he might be overlooked in heavyweight boxing’s future plans. This bout with Joshua materialised after Paul’s scheduled November clash with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis fell through due to legal issues faced by Davis.
Paul’s team quickly worked to secure a replacement opponent, with high-profile names such as Ryan Garcia, Terence Crawford, and Francis Ngannou initially considered. Paul revealed that Crawford had agreed to face him but scheduling conflicts prevented a December matchup, ultimately leading to the agreement with Joshua.
“Terence Crawford wanted to do it later in the year,” Paul explained during the press conference. He also claimed several potential opponents had declined the opportunity. “Tommy Fury was scared, Ryan Garcia was scared,” he asserted before securing the high-profile match-up with Joshua.
Displaying characteristic bravado, Paul warned against underestimating his capabilities. “It’s a massive mistake to look past this fight. I’m knocking this guy out and becoming the CEO of Matchroom boxing,” he declared, drawing parallels with Joshua’s shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.
Paul’s most recent performance saw him secure a unanimous decision victory against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June. Joshua, meanwhile, has been inactive since his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
The upcoming contest will follow professional boxing regulations, countering speculation about its status as an exhibition match. The bout is scheduled for eight rounds of three minutes each, with both fighters wearing 10-ounce gloves. Weight limitations will favour Paul, who competes below the 200-pound cruiserweight threshold. Joshua, on the other hand, is restricted to a maximum weight of 245 pounds, a notable drop from his usual fighting weight.
As the anticipation builds for this compelling matchup, it remains to be seen if Paul can indeed secure a bout with Fury afterwards, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the heavyweight division and the pathways that can emerge from high-stakes showdowns.
