Is Jake Paul suing Anthony Joshua after ‘Rigged Fight’ claims? The Truth Behind the Legal Threats
Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul fight shocks boxing world. Image Credit: Netflix
Online speculation exploded after Jake Paul’s high-profile boxing loss to Anthony Joshua, with viral claims suggesting the blockbuster Netflix fight was “rigged.” Now, Paul’s team says lawyers are preparing legal action, but not against Joshua himself.
The controversy follows Paul’s sixth-round knockout loss to the former heavyweight world champion in Miami, a bout reportedly worth £200 million and streamed globally on Netflix. While Joshua’s eventual stoppage appeared decisive, critics questioned the slow early rounds, igniting conspiracy theories across social media.
So, is Jake Paul suing Anthony Joshua? The short answer: No, but lawsuits may still be coming.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: How the ‘Rigged Fight’ Claims Started
The fight drew heavy criticism after Joshua failed to dominate early despite being a vastly more experienced boxer. Fans booed during the opening rounds as Paul frequently stumbled and action remained limited.
Joshua, however, increased his aggression in the later rounds, flooring Paul multiple times before ending the fight in the sixth with a crushing right hand. Paul suffered two fractures in his jaw, required emergency surgery, and was later placed on a boxing ban during recovery.
Despite the serious injuries, some online commentators claimed the bout was pre-scripted and alleged Joshua had agreed not to knock Paul out early, claims that quickly went viral.
READ ALSO
Jake Paul’s Team Responds: ‘Our Lawyers Are Actively Going After People’
Paul’s manager and Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian addressed the allegations directly on The Ariel Helwani Show, calling them “astonishing” and false.
“Our lawyers are actively going after a number of people,” Bidarian said, referring to unnamed individuals who publicly alleged the fight was fixed. One viral post, he noted, amassed over 200,000 likes while claiming Joshua intentionally ignored an agreement to knock Paul out later.
Bidarian was unequivocal:
“There has never once in Jake Paul’s career been any talk of a fight being anything but real.”
Is Anthony Joshua Being Sued by Jake Paul?
Despite widespread confusion online, Anthony Joshua is not being sued. There is no legal action against Joshua, his promoters, Netflix, or boxing officials. Instead, potential lawsuits are reportedly aimed at individuals and commentators who publicly accused Paul of staging fights or committing fraud.
Joshua himself had previously stated that failing to knock Paul out early would be “disappointing,” undermining claims of any alleged agreement.
Eddie Hearn Issues Sobering Update on Jake Paul’s Career
Joshua’s longtime promoter Eddie Hearn added further weight to the legitimacy of the bout, revealing the severity of Paul’s injuries.
“He’s broken his jaw in two places,” Hearn said. “There have been many fighters who never boxed again after that.”
The injury has forced Paul into a prolonged break, raising questions about whether the influencer-turned-boxer will ever return to the ring.
Why This Controversy Matters for Boxing and Celebrity Fights
The fight reignited long-standing debates about celebrity boxing, competitive integrity, and entertainment-driven matchups. While supporters argue such events attract new audiences, critics claim they blur the line between sport and spectacle.
Paul, however, appears determined to protect his credibility, and is now willing to do so in court.
What Happens Next?
Paul is recovering from surgery and is not expected to fight in the near future. Joshua, meanwhile, has set his sights on a potential Tyson Fury mega-fight in 2026.
Legal action related to the “rigged fight” claims could follow in the coming weeks.
FAQ
Is Jake Paul suing Anthony Joshua?
No. Jake Paul is not suing Anthony Joshua. Any legal action is directed at individuals spreading false claims that the fight was rigged.
Why do people think the Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight was rigged?
Critics cited Joshua’s slow start and Paul lasting six rounds as suspicious, despite Joshua eventually winning by knockout.
What did Jake Paul’s team say about the allegations?
Paul’s manager Nakisa Bidarian called the claims “mind-blowing” and confirmed lawyers are pursuing those spreading false information.
Did Netflix have any agreement about how long the fight would last?
No. Paul’s team denied any agreement involving Netflix, promoters, or fighters about the fight’s outcome or duration.
Did Anthony Joshua pull punches against Jake Paul?
There is no evidence to support that claim. Joshua and his promoter insist the fight was 100% real.
What injuries did Jake Paul suffer?
Paul suffered two fractures in his jaw, required surgery, and faces a potentially career-ending recovery.
Will Jake Paul fight again?
It remains uncertain. Promoter Eddie Hearn warned that some fighters never return after similar injuries.
What’s next for Anthony Joshua?
Joshua has publicly targeted a Tyson Fury fight in 2026 following the win.
