The world of boxing and crossover celebrity fights just got a whole lot more chaotic. YouTube star turned professional boxer Jake Paul has once again found himself at the center of controversy—this time for leaking private messages from former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. The explosive development comes as tensions between the two fighters boil over amid talk of a potential showdown and in the aftermath of Daniel Dubois’ stunning knockout victory.
The Leaked Messages
Jake Paul, known as much for his in-ring antics as his social media presence, took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram earlier this week to share screenshots of direct messages purportedly sent by Anthony Joshua. In the messages, Joshua appears to dismiss Jake’s chances as a serious boxer and mocks the idea of stepping into the ring with him. One message read: “You’re a YouTuber bro, stay in your lane. This is heavyweight boxing, not content creation.”
Jake Paul’s caption to the leaked exchange was characteristically inflammatory:
> “AJ talking big in private but won’t say it in public. You scared or just embarrassed to lose to a Disney kid? I don’t need belts to break jaws. Let’s run it.”
The leak has sparked an immediate firestorm, with fans divided on whether Paul crossed a line by airing what many see as private and confidential communication. Others argue it’s all part of the showmanship that fuels boxing’s entertainment value today.
Joshua’s Camp Responds
Anthony Joshua, typically a more reserved figure in the sport, has not directly responded on social media to the leak, but sources close to his camp reportedly told British media that the messages were real and expressed disappointment in Paul’s actions. One insider commented, “AJ’s not afraid of Jake Paul—he just doesn’t think it’s a serious conversation. Jake is a sideshow, and AJ is focused on real challenges in the heavyweight division.”
Despite the dismissal, it’s clear that Paul’s move has rattled some nerves and added an unexpected layer of animosity to what could evolve into a big-money bout—especially considering the growing popularity of crossover fights featuring influencers and traditional boxing stars.
War of Words Escalates
Since posting the screenshots, Jake Paul has continued to fan the flames online. In an Instagram Live session, he mocked Joshua’s recent performances and claimed the British heavyweight is “on the decline” and “ripe for the taking.” Paul went as far as to say:
> “AJ’s chin has always been suspect. I’d take him out faster than Andy Ruiz did.”
That bold claim references Joshua’s shocking 2019 loss to Ruiz, who stunned the world by knocking Joshua out and taking his unified titles. While Joshua avenged the loss in a rematch, questions about his vulnerability have persisted.
In response, Joshua’s supporters have hit back, pointing out Paul’s limited experience in the ring and his past opponents—most of whom have been former MMA fighters, not professional boxers in their prime.
Daniel Dubois’ KO Fuels the Debate
The timing of this spat is also significant, coming just days after British heavyweight Daniel Dubois delivered a brutal knockout win over Filip Hrgović in a high-stakes bout. The performance catapulted Dubois into title contention and re-energized interest in the heavyweight scene.
Jake Paul, always eager to insert himself into trending moments, congratulated Dubois in a tweet—but used the opportunity to take another jab at Joshua:
> “Now THAT’s a proper KO. AJ take notes. Real dogs like Dubois don’t freeze under pressure.”
The remark references past criticism of Joshua’s sometimes overly cautious approach in big fights, such as his loss to Oleksandr Usyk.
Fight on the Horizon?
While there are no official talks of a fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua, the buzz is growing rapidly. Promoters understand the business side of these crossover clashes, and despite the massive gap in experience and weight class, stranger matchups have been made in recent years.
Paul, who has been vocal about fighting “real boxers,” has hinted that he’s willing to go up in weight to face Joshua, though most boxing purists would see such a bout as little more than a circus event. Nevertheless, it would draw huge attention—and potentially huge pay-per-view numbers.
Final Thoughts
Jake Paul’s leak of Anthony Joshua’s private messages is a clear escalation in his campaign to become more than just a novelty in boxing. It has succeeded in grabbing headlines, riling up fans, and putting Joshua in a difficult position: respond and risk legitimizing Paul’s challenge, or ignore it and let the narrative spiral.
In a sport increasingly driven by spectacle and social media engagement, Paul understands how to play the game. Whether Joshua will play along remains to be seen—but wi
th enough money on the table, nothing can be ruled out.
