AEW powerhouse Bobby Lashley has expressed his willingness to face celebrity boxer Jake Paul in the ring, sharing his enthusiasm for a potential crossover fight in a recent interview with WFAA. Both Lashley and Paul, veterans in wrestling and MMA, have shown excitement for the opportunity, despite some considerations about the best possible matchups.
Lashley’s interest is driven by his competitive nature and admiration for Paul’s achievements in boxing. The AEW star, who joined the promotion in September 2024, praised how Paul has raised the sport’s profile and the fighters featured on his fight cards.
“Jake does some big things in the fighting world. He draws a lot of attention, which really helps boxing. The fighters on his cards receive excellent pay,” Lashley stated.
Still, Lashley suggested a strategic approach, noting that Paul might gain more legitimacy by competing against well-established boxers first. Nevertheless, Lashley’s competitive spirit remains strong.
“I’m not sure if I’m the right opponent for him. He’s genuinely good, so he should keep fighting boxers who can build his credibility,” Lashley commented.
This potential bout represents another major crossover fight for Paul, who has built his boxing career by facing challengers from various combat sports. For Lashley, it would be a return to fighting outside of professional wrestling, tapping into his extensive MMA background.
“I love competition, so I’d want to fight him to see what he’s made of and how skilled he really is,” Lashley added, emphasizing his fighting mindset.
Lashley’s willingness to step into this kind of contest highlights the growing trend of crossover matches in combat sports, where athletes from different disciplines go head-to-head. His combined wrestling and MMA experience would bring a unique dimension to any fight against Paul.
No official negotiations have been announced yet, but Lashley’s public interest and readiness could make this a compelling option for Paul’s upcoming fights. Lashley’s legitimate combat sports credentials paired with Paul’s promotional prowess could captivate both wrestling and boxing fans.
As AEW continues to strengthen its roster with notable talents like Lashley, the possibility of crossover fights between wrestling and other combat sports offers exciting storylines and opportunities for athletes to push competitive boundaries.
Fan Take: This potential matchup excites AEW fans because Lashley represents one of their own stepping into mainstream combat sports, bridging wrestling and boxing in an electrifying way. It could open new doors for AEW talent while adding fresh intrigue and legitimacy to celebrity boxing events, benefiting both industries.
