Steelers star challenges Anthony Joshua after Jake Paul fight

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington is throwing his hat in the ring to take on perhaps the world’s most famous boxer. After watching Anthony Joshua defeat Jake Paul by knockout, Washington shared his thoughts, saying he could face Joshua with time to train.

Writing on his Instagram Story, Washington said he could beat Joshua if he gave him a year to train.

“Give me a year and I will beat Anthony Joshua,” Washington wrote.

Joshua defeated Paul in the sixth round by TKO, breaking Paul’s jaw in two places and easily defeating the YouTube star, despite the match lasting longer than expected.

“The end goal was to grab Jake Paul, pin him and hurt him,” Joshua said after the fight. “…It took a little longer than expected. But the right hand finally found its destination.

Maybe his next fight will be Washington?

Now, the Steelers tight end has been boxing for quite some time and has made it known throughout his career. He is also 6-foot-7 and weighs over 300 pounds and is capable of outrunning professional football players while blocking 300-pound defenders.

His resume on the football field is pretty impressive, but that might not mean he’s ready to take on the former two-time unified heavyweight boxing champion. Even if he had a year left to train.

But in the NFL, “never say never” still rings true. So maybe Washington can shock the world with a fight against the boxer who is 29-4 all-time and who not long ago beat Francis Ngannou.

Steelers wouldn’t like fighting in Washington

Even though Washington would generate fights and prepare to face Joshua in a boxing match, the Steelers probably wouldn’t be big fans of the situation.

Washington has emerged as the Steelers’ best tight end this season, despite the team signing contracts with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. The former third-round pick out of Georgia has become their go-to blocker, but has also established a connection with Aaron Rodgers in the passing game.

With viciously stiff arms this season, the 6-foot-7 athlete has become a household name in the NFL and appears to be just entering his third season.

Pittsburgh likely has plans for Washington well beyond the 2025 season, which means they’ll want him training on the football field and not the boxing ring. Especially if it means he’s facing someone most of the sports world just saw knock out Jake Paul.

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