Jake Paul shocked many after defeating Julio César Chávez Jr. a former world champion by decision. But what really grabbed headlines wasn’t just the win; it was what came after. Paul called out several big names again, including Anthony Joshua. On paper, that matchup sounds laughable: a YouTuber-turned-cruiserweight vs a former unified heavyweight champion. But is everyone writing off Paul too quickly?

Let’s be clear Joshua would be the overwhelming favorite. He’s a natural heavyweight with Olympic gold, elite experience, and knockout power. If he connects cleanly, the fight could end in a single round. But boxing is rarely that simple, and Paul continues to defy expectations.

Since his 2020 debut, Jake Paul has taken the sport more seriously than most gave him credit for. He trains full-time, invests in elite coaching, and has improved visibly with each bout. He’s not a sideshow anymore—he’s a legitimate cruiserweight with a professional record and a proven ability to go rounds. His win over Chávez Jr. wasn’t a gimmick it was a tactical, disciplined performance against a seasoned boxer.

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Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua’s stock has taken a hit. His losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk exposed cracks in both his defense and mentality. He’s still dangerous, but no longer invincible. Paul’s awkward style and relentless confidence, paired with zero pressure on his side, could make for an uncomfortable matchup—at least for a few rounds.

Of course, the size difference is real. Joshua fights at 240+ lbs; Paul weighs around 200. But in the era of crossover events and custom-rules exhibitions, weight classes don’t always stop mega-fights. Paul knows this, and he’s playing the long game calling out names like Joshua not just to sell pay-per-views, but to insert himself into the mainstream boxing conversation.

No, Jake Paul shouldn’t be favored against Anthony Joshua. But to dismiss the possibility of a competitive moment—or even a moral victory for Paul is to underestimate how far he’s come, and how unpredictable modern boxing can be.

Joshua would be wise not to take the bait. But if this fight ever gets made, don’t be shocked if Jake Paul survives longer than anyone expects.

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