Jake Paul is once again making waves in the boxing world, this time by naming Anthony Joshua as a dream opponent on a stunning six-man hit list. Yes, you read that right: the YouTuber turned boxer wants to step into the ring with a former unified heavyweight world champion.
Set to return to action on June 28 against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Paul isn’t content with just one headline. Instead, he has already laid out a blockbuster blueprint of future opponents that blends star power, rivalry, and spectacle. Speaking via Most Valuable Promotions, Paul listed his desired foes: Gervonta Davis, Anthony Joshua, KSI, Tommy Fury, Ryan Garcia, and Badou Jack.
If it sounds ambitious, it is. But for Paul, the ambition is the point.
From YouTube to Joshua?
The biggest eyebrow-raiser is Anthony Joshua, the two-time heavyweight champ known for his Olympic pedigree and world-title wins. Paul is targeting him for a potential bout in 2026. While Paul currently fights at cruiserweight, he seems unbothered by the massive weight and experience gap, hinting at a previous conversation with Joshua that sparked the idea.
“After I beat Chavez, I want to stay active,” Paul said. “I’ve got a vision for where this is going, and I’m not afraid to chase the biggest fights out there, even if they seem crazy to people.”
Crazy might be an understatement, but it is classic Jake Paul: bold, calculated, and headline-hungry.
Old Rivals and New Grudges
Paul’s list includes some expected names as well. KSI and Tommy Fury are already part of his narrative, with unfinished business in both cases. However, Paul appears disinterested in reviving the KSI rivalry, citing stalled negotiations and growing disinterest.
“I’ve outgrown KSI,” Paul told Ariel Helwani. “They only want eight-round fights. It’s all games. I’m on a different path now, chasing legacy fights.”
Ryan Garcia and Gervonta Davis, both elite-level boxers with strong followings, also make the list. Paul revealed he was close to finalizing a bout with Davis at 195 pounds earlier this year, but the plan collapsed when Davis prioritized a title fight with Lamont Roach, which ended in a controversial draw.
Enter: Badou Jack
Among the more feasible matchups is Badou Jack, a respected WBC cruiserweight champion. While Paul has received his share of criticism for fighting past-their-prime or crossover athletes, Jack would be a significant step up in boxing credibility. That is a matchup that could offer Paul both legitimacy and risk.
“I want to test myself,” Paul added. “I’m not here to play safe forever.”
Can the Dream Matchups Happen?
The real question isn’t whether Jake Paul wants these fights, it is whether any of them are realistic. While a bout with Fury or Garcia might materialize, convincing a world champion like Anthony Joshua to face a social media star turned boxer is a tall order.
That said, Paul’s growing track record of selling out arenas, securing major pay-per-view numbers, and beating names like Nate Diaz and even Mike Tyson gives him leverage that very few crossover athletes have.
In today’s boxing world, money talks. And Jake Paul, love him or hate him, knows how to make noise and dollars.
What’s Next?
First, Paul must get past Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. later this month. A loss could derail his carefully crafted plan, but a win keeps the dream and the drama alive.
Whether he actually laces gloves with Anthony Joshua or not, Jake Paul’s six-man hit list is a reminder of what he does best: turning the boxing world on its head, one headline at a time.
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