Joshua and Jake Negotiated Other Fights Before Signing Their Deal

According to insider Dan Rafael, former unified Heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua had been planning to face Cassius Chaney before reaching an agreement to fight Jake Paul. Rafael reports that the bout could have taken place as early as late November in Riyadh.

“According to sources, there were plans to quietly add Joshua to the card taking place this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a stay-busy fight against 38-year-old American Cassius Chaney.

But that option was dismissed once the deal with Paul was reached, and both sides moved to finalize the paperwork,” Rafael wrote.

Jake Paul had also made offers to other fighters — including Tommy Fury, who remains the only opponent to defeat Paul in professional boxing.

“Respect to all the fighters who said yes. We had to explore every option and make a decision.

Guess who didn’t agree even for $15 million? You and your father, who controls everything you do. You’re not a man. You’re a boy. Daddy’s little boy,” Paul wrote.

Later, John Fury, Tommy’s father, stated they are ready to fight Jake anywhere except the United States — where they are banned from entering.

“If you want to fight, send a written $15 million offer to our lawyers. You can get in the ring within eight weeks anywhere in the world except America. Understand? But it must be in writing from your team, because your word means nothing,” Fury said.

The Joshua–Paul fight will take place on December 19 in the United States. The main rules of the bout are available via the link.