It seems the worlds of legitimate heavyweight boxing and influencer theatrics are on a never-ending collision course. As speculation swirled over Anthony Joshua’s potential opponent for a December return, many wondered if the brash Jake Paul might just leap into the lion’s den. But according to a recent reveal from Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn, those dreams may be hitting a financial brick wall.

In a conversation with Boxing Social, the British promoter was straightforward when discussing the potential matchup between AJ and Jake Paul this winter. “Jake Paul wants $40 million to fight Anthony Joshua. It’s not happening,” Hearn stated bluntly. He elaborated that while the idea was floated, the American social media star’s asking price made the fight unrealistic—especially considering how dangerous such a bout would be for him.

But that wasn’t the only eyebrow-raiser in the conversation. Hearn continued, “I don’t believe Jake Paul is serious. I don’t trust that he would take the fight. I think Francis Ngannou would destroy him, let alone AJ.” The clash between the former UFC heavyweight powerhouse and the British Olympian highlights the dangerous terrain Jake would face if he decided to enter the ring with Joshua.

Yet, the fighter who once took down Wladimir Klitschko and packed Wembley like it was just another day out isn’t completely without a contender. Hearn confirmed that Joshua still plans to fight in December—though, at this rate, Jake Paul probably won’t be the one standing in the opposite corner. As Hearn put it, “We want AJ to fight in December, and we’re looking at a number of names. Jake Paul just isn’t one of them right now.”

While the boxing world largely scoffs at the idea of Jake Paul stepping into the ring with Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury is charting his own course.

Tyson Fury backs Jake Paul to stop Anthony Joshua

In a recent interview with The Ring, Tyson Fury, the former WBC heavyweight champion made a statement that few saw coming: “I think Jake Paul knocks him out…I just think Jake Paul would knock AJ out.”

For many onlookers, the notion seems downright absurd. Paul’s résumé boasts a retired NBA player, aging MMA legends, and journeyman boxers. But to the Gypsy King, that’s clearly sufficient to instill confidence. Fury highlights Paul’s recent wins, one against a past-his-prime Mike Tyson and another over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. as proof of momentum, while critics dismiss it as mere illusion.

At 28 years old, Paul boasts a 12-1 record with 7 knockouts, yet he stands under intense scrutiny regarding the legitimacy of his opponents. Fury, always bold in expressing his views, senses a shift in the winds. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is on the rise, while Joshua, who once stood as the face of heavyweight boxing, is in a downward spiral. The sentiment intensified following AJ’s stunning fifth-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois on September 21 at Wembley—an outcome that crushed Joshua’s aspirations of claiming a third world title.

“I think AJ is a spent force and I think Jake Paul is on the rise,” Fury added, doubling down on a take that will no doubt spark heated debate. Whether fans agree or not, the heavyweight great’s endorsement adds another unpredictable twist to a potential matchup that many had already written off as pure fantasy.