Eddie Hearn Says ‘Very Good Likelihood’ Jake Paul Is Anthony Joshua’s Subsequent Opponent

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua are in real-deal negotiations to combat … and AJ’s longtime promoter, Eddie Hearn, says it might occur “early next year!”

The Matchroom Boxing boss — who has labored alongside Joshua for over a decade — joined Babcock on the “TMZ Sports” TV present (airs nightly on FS1) … and Hearn left us shocked.

“I just thought to myself, this is Jake Paul creating headlines. He’s not going to fight Anthony Joshua. And in every conversation I have with [Jake’s partner] Nikisa and MVP, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, they actually think they can beat him,'” Eddie mentioned.

Not possibly, not in 5 years … subsequent! And, if anybody would know, it is Eddie, AJ’s rep, who’s on the middle of the discussions.

Does the 28-year-old Downside Little one, 12-1 (with 7 KOs), and considerably smaller have an opportunity at beating the 35-year-old, 6’6″, 260 lb. former heavyweight champ and Olympic gold medalist?

Eddie says no method.

“This isn’t Jake Paul fighting Mike Tyson … this is AJ, sorry, Jake Paul fighting one of the most dangerous fighters, pound for pound, in the sport.”

Jake clearly feels otherwise.

“I think it’s wildly dangerous. I think Jake Paul is a madman. But, for some reason, he believes he can beat Anthony Joshua.”

And, EH says “[Jake] will get AJ at 100% of his best and most dangerous, so, good luck!”

Talking of that Paul and Tyson combat, whether or not you liked or hated it, it was undeniably a large occasion … and with 108 million viewers worldwide, essentially the most watched combat ever.

The reign on prime could also be short-lived, based on Hearn.

“[Joshua vs. Paul] would be one of the biggest, you know, pay-per-view fights, the biggest. I mean, it would just be absolutely huge.”

Backside line — it seems like there’s an amazing probability AJ and Jake will quickly share a hoop.