Jake Paul strikes 'agreement' for blockbuster showdown with Anthony Joshua next year

Jake Paul has 'an agreement in principle' to fight two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, the American's promotion has claimed. 

The Youtuber-turned-boxer, who will contest an exhibition against compatriot Gervonta Davis in November, called out Joshua earlier this year, leading to shock discussions. 

However, talks quickly broke down, with Paul instead securing another lucrative bout against the the 5ft 5in Baltimore native, who has held the WBA lightweight title since 2019.

But according to the co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, who led negotiations with Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn, The Brit is still '100 per cent' Paul's target.

Indeed, Nakisa Bidarian claims that his client has an 'agreement in principle' with Joshua's camp for a fight in 2026. 

'Anthony Joshua is 100 per cent still a target,' Bidarian told reporters. 'He's trying to fight in February in I think Ghana, they've come out with that.

'But pending this fight and pending everything coming together, absolutely. We have an agreement in principle.'

Joshua has not been in the ring since he was knocked out by fellow Brit Daniel Dubois last September.  Hearn confirmed an offer has come in to fight in Ghana - which could also pave the way as a warm-up to face Tyson Fury next year.

Paul previously fought an ageing Mike Tyson, in his prime one of boxing's all-time greats but far from that in a fight with modified rules against Paul at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.

Before any potential bout against Joshua, Paul will take on Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis on November 15 in an exhibition live on Netflix.

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and Netflix announced the fight, which will take place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Davis, a 5ft 5in lightweight, may be small of stature but packs a punch having knocked out 28 of his 31 opponents to date.