Former heavyweight world champion hits out at Jake Paul over Anthony Joshua callout: ‘You are crazy’

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Jake Paul is back in the spotlight following his latest win – and this time, it’s his callout of Anthony Joshua that has boxing veterans sounding off.

This past Saturday, Paul returned to the ring for the first time since last November’s decision win over Mike Tyson, taking on former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Once again, he was in control for most of the fight, surviving a late scare to earn a unanimous decision over Chavez Jr.

With the win, Paul climbed into the top 15 of the WBC cruiserweight rankings and used his post-fight interview to make several callouts – including Gervonta Davis, two-division world champion Badou Jack and, most notably, Anthony Joshua.

Roy Jones Jr says Jake Paul would repeat Francis Ngannou’s fate against Anthony Joshua

Paul even claimed conversations with Joshua’s camp had already begun, suggesting a fight could materialise in 2026.

Joshua hasn’t stepped into the ring since suffering a punishing knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Hints of retirement have followed, as the former heavyweight champion weighs his next move.

Speaking to Action Network, Roy Jones Jr – former boxing heavyweight world champion – responded to the idea with a mix of caution and disbelief:

“The fight can happen, but it has to be Anthony Joshua wanting the fight and needs to be worth his while. For Anthony Joshua, fights have to make sense for him now otherwise he won’t do them,” Jones Jr began to explain to Action Network.

“Did you see what Anthony Joshua did to Francis Ngannou? The same thing happens to Jake Paul. Joshua is a real, former heavyweight champion of the world for a reason and is not a slouch or a fluke, he did it for real.

“If you think a person that is not really a full-time boxer will beat Anthony Joshua, then you’re crazy,” he continued.

• READ MORE: ‘He needs to retire’… Boxing Hall of Famer slams Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. after defeat to Jake Paul

Jake Paul says he will ‘vigorously go after’ the journalist who was ‘irresponsible’

More backlash came from British talk show host Piers Morgan, who dismissed Paul’s victory over Chavez Jr as another low-point for the sport.

Paul fired back at Morgan – and others he accuses of spreading misinformation about his record – threatening to pursue legal action in defence of his name.