Jake Paul named the three-fighter hitlist that he wants in 2026 after he defeats Anthony Joshua in December. A victory over Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) next month will open the doors for the charismatic Paul to get a fight against anyone he wants in boxing. He can literally have his pick.
Paul’s hitlist for 2026:
- Canelo Alvarez
- Terence Crawford
- Tyson Fury
What would really anger Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is for Jake Paul to defeat him on December 19th, then get a mega-fight against Tyson Fury next. That’s the guy that the Matchroom promoter Hearn has been trying to line up for AJ for many years. Seeing Paul get the fight that he’s craved would be upsetting.
“Canelo, Crawford, Tyson Fury. Those are the names,” said Jake Paul to The Schmo when asked who he wants to fight in 2026. “But I think Joshua and Canelo are the two biggest names I can possibly take on in the sport right now.”
Canelo would be a realistic option for Paul, because he was interested in fighting him before he signed to fight Terence Crawford last September. In hindsight, Canelo should have gone in the direction of the Paul fight rather than face Crawford. It’s not too late to make the fight still.
“Just be fearless and give it all you got,” said Andy Ruiz Jr. to the State of Boxing about what Jake Paul must do to defeat Joshua. “Just hit him with the right hand. That’s what Jake Paul is looking for. The right hand, because if he lands, he could do good damage.”
Many people are overlooking the right-hand power that Jake has in this fight. They assume that AJ will be victorious because of his size and experience advantage. What they’re failing to see is Jake’s power, youth, health, and speed. At 36, Joshua’s punch resistance doesn’t appear to be what it once was, and he’s coming off a 15-month layoff.
“A lot of people are underestimating Jake Paul, but in reality, he’s a good fighter, and he’s dedicated. That’s what I like about him. I’m going to hit him up and give him some pointers,” said Ruiz Jr.
Last Updated on 11/30/2025
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