Jake Paul Could Jeopardize Potential Anthony Joshua Fight by Facing Gervonta Davis, Says Promoter Eddie Hearn

 Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has issued a warning to social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, claiming his upcoming exhibition fight with Gervonta Davis could put a long-rumoured bout with heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at risk.

Speaking to reporters, Hearn revealed that although a clash between Joshua and Paul seemed improbable at first, talks about the possibility have been ongoing behind the scenes. According to Hearn, the prospect of the YouTuber stepping into the ring with one of Britain’s most decorated heavyweights has generated plenty of buzz, especially given Paul’s ability to attract younger audiences to boxing.

However, Hearn cautioned that the exhibition with Gervonta “Tank” Davis — the reigning lightweight world champion known for his explosive power and undefeated record — may derail the potential blockbuster. “Jake Paul has done well to market himself and build a name in boxing, but he’s stepping into very dangerous territory,” Hearn noted. “If something goes wrong in this Davis fight, even though it’s an exhibition, it could damage the excitement or credibility surrounding a fight with AJ.”

Hearn also confirmed that Anthony Joshua’s immediate focus remains on a potential showdown with Tyson Fury next summer, a fight that would likely be one of the biggest events in British boxing history. But he added that the door for a bout with Paul is still open if the American continues to win and expand his profile without taking unnecessary risks.

Paul, who made the leap from YouTube to professional boxing in 2020, has fought and beaten a series of former MMA fighters and mid-level boxers, steadily building his reputation. Yet Davis, despite the exhibition label, represents a completely different challenge a fast, highly skilled and hard-hitting champion from a much lower weight class who could easily embarrass a much larger but less experienced opponent if not taken seriously.

“Jake has brought new eyes to the sport and that’s good for boxing,” Hearn concluded. “But at the end of the day, the fights he chooses will decide how long he stays relevant at the top level. He needs to be smart if he wants that big Anthony Joshua payday.”

If negotiations move forward, a Paul–Joshua clash would be unprecedented: a crossover event between one of the biggest names in modern heavyweight boxing and one of the sport’s most polarising newcomers. For now, though, all eyes are on Paul’s exhibition against Davis — and whether it will cement or sabotage his chances of landing the biggest fight of his career.