Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has confirmed preliminary discussions about a potential fight with Jake Paul, emphasizing that any matchup would be a legitimate heavyweight contest.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Hearn said talks had taken place with Paul’s team but stressed that a deal is far from finalized, criticizing some media reports for “jumping the gun.”

“Joshua would only consider a fully professional bout under standard Queensberry rules, with 10-ounce gloves and an agreed weight,” Hearn explained. While Paul usually competes at cruiserweight, the proposed fight would likely be sanctioned as a heavyweight clash.

An offer has reportedly been made by Paul’s camp, though Hearn questioned whether the American influencer would accept the challenge of facing a former world champion in a regulated contest.

Joshua had been preparing for an eight-round fight later this year, initially scheduled as an undercard bout. However, Hearn suggested the Paul proposal could be “50 times” more lucrative.

The promoter framed the potential fight as a short-term commercial opportunity rather than a major step in Joshua’s career, stressing that the British boxer’s focus remains on top-tier heavyweight contests.

“So if we do run out, and just wipe out Jake Paul before Christmas, and make, I don’t know, £50m or £60m… sweet as a nut,” Hearn said. “If not, we won’t do it, and we’ll wait until February. The serious stuff is very much the focus of what we’re doing, but this would be something small in between.”

Meanwhile, discussions continue over Joshua’s long-planned showdown with Tyson Fury, currently targeted for 2026 with Saudi backing.