Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua Fight Still Possible, Says Nakisa Bidarian

The much-discussed potential showdown between social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul and former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua is not dead yet, according to Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian. Despite earlier reports suggesting the fight talks had collapsed, Bidarian confirmed this week that an agreement “in principle” still exists, keeping alive hopes of a blockbuster clash in 2026.

Negotiations between the two camps had reportedly progressed significantly earlier this year, with early 2026 identified as a potential date for the fight. However, complications over broadcasting rights, particularly Joshua’s exclusive deal with streaming giant DAZN, cast doubt over the contest. By August, many believed the proposed matchup was off the table.

But Bidarian’s recent remarks suggest that while Paul is preparing for another high-profile bout in the meantime, the Joshua fight remains a real possibility.

Wale Ahmed Declares Tinubu’s Second Term Assured, Urges Opposition To Rally Behind President

Agreement in Principle for Paul vs Joshua

Speaking to reporters during the promotional tour for Jake Paul’s upcoming exhibition against Gervonta Davis, Bidarian reignited speculation about the highly anticipated bout. When asked directly about whether Paul and Joshua would ever face each other, Bidarian responded, “We have an agreement in principle.”

Pressed further by Seconds Out to clarify, he added simply: “To fight each other.”

The comments immediately sparked excitement among fans and media, many of whom had turned up expecting discussions to focus solely on the Paul vs Davis clash set for November 14. Instead, the spotlight shifted back to the possibility of Paul stepping into the ring with one of boxing’s biggest names.

Paul Teases “David and Goliath” Narrative

Jake Paul himself has leaned into the speculation, using his trademark flair for self-promotion to stir the pot. On social media, Paul likened his next two potential opponents to biblical figures, saying his plan was to “kill David” before going on to “slaughter Goliath.”

The statement was a thinly veiled reference to Davis and Joshua, respectively. Davis, known for his devastating punching power at lighter weights, is Paul’s immediate challenge in the exhibition set for New York. Joshua, on the other hand, represents the towering “Goliath” that Paul insists he eventually wants to conquer.

For Paul, who has built a reputation on mixing entertainment with boxing ambition, the fight against Joshua would represent not only a sporting leap but also a marketing masterstroke.

The Hurdles Ahead

While Bidarian’s comments provide encouragement for fans eager to see the fight, significant challenges remain. Chief among them are broadcasting rights. Joshua’s existing contractual obligations with DAZN mean that any fight with Paul would require extensive negotiations between multiple networks and promoters.

Additionally, there are questions about how the bout would be structured. Would it be a professional contest that counts on both fighters’ records, or a high-profile exhibition staged for entertainment value? Such details will be crucial in determining whether the fight materializes.

For Joshua, who is working to rebuild his reputation after setbacks in recent years, a fight with Paul could be seen as a risky detour from his ambition to regain heavyweight supremacy. Yet, the commercial appeal of the matchup is undeniable, with experts predicting it could rival some of boxing’s biggest pay-per-view events.

A Potentially Marketable Clash

The idea of a Paul vs Joshua fight has divided opinion within the boxing community. Traditionalists argue that the pairing diminishes the sport by matching a former unified heavyweight champion against a relative novice who rose to fame through YouTube.

However, others see the fight as an opportunity to draw mainstream audiences into boxing. Paul has consistently delivered massive pay-per-view numbers, while Joshua remains one of the sport’s most bankable stars with global appeal. Together, they could generate one of the most talked-about sporting spectacles of 2026.

Industry insiders believe that if the broadcasting hurdles can be overcome, the fight has the potential to smash records in terms of viewership and revenue.

Focus Shifts to Davis Exhibition

For now, Paul’s attention is firmly on his November 14 exhibition against Gervonta Davis. The promotional tour for the fight kicked off Monday night in New York, drawing significant media attention. Davis, a three-division world champion known for his explosive knockout power, poses a unique challenge for Paul despite the contest being billed as an exhibition.

The matchup is expected to attract a mix of traditional boxing fans and crossover audiences, in line with Paul’s previous ventures into the sport. But for many observers, the real intrigue lies in what comes after—and whether Paul will indeed step into the ring with Anthony Joshua.

While uncertainty continues to cloud the potential Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight, Nakisa Bidarian’s revelation that an agreement in principle exists has rekindled excitement. With early 2026 still on the horizon, fans remain hopeful that one of the most talked-about crossovers in boxing history could yet happen.

For now, all eyes are on Paul’s clash with Gervonta Davis in November. But if Bidarian’s words are any indication, the story of Paul vs Joshua is far from over—and the boxing world may still witness the YouTuber-turned-fighter take on one of the sport’s modern giants.