Fans seriously concerned by Netflix’s Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua reveal
YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul is taking a monumental step up in his next fight and it has generated massive concerns within the sport.
The boxing world is expressing genuine concern for Jake Paul’s health as the influencer prepares to fight two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.
Paul, 28, is yet to be taken seriously during his career in the ring, building a 12-1 record mostly against washed up boxing or MMA fighters.
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It reached a dreadful crescendo when Paul beat a 58-year-old Mike Tyson on points in a Netflix event in November last year watched by an estimated 60 million, mostly disappointed, people.
So taking on the 36-year-old Joshua is an entirely different proposition for a man who built his fortune on YouTube.
The Englishman is one of the biggest names in the modern incarnation of the heavyweight division, holding a 28-4 record, with 25 knockouts, after winning gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
He has twice gone the distance with the division’s current king, Oleksandr Usyk, and while many boxing fans cling to hope he will one day take on compatriot Tyson Fury, Joshua has instead accepted a fight with Paul.
Netflix has just dropped a trailer for the fight, which will take place at Miami’s Kaseya Center on Saturday, December 20 (AEDT).
Of course boxers do all they can to drum up interest in any and every fight and this one is no different, with Paul saying in the promo: “They say I’m unproven. Untested.
“That I talk big and fight small.
“Well, surprise bitch.”
Highlights of some of Joshua’s previous fights are shown, with the Brit stating: “It’s time for America to see what real power looks like.
“I want to see who’s still talking when this right hand flies.”
The trailer concludes with a short clip from the pair’s face off, with the fight dubbed “Judgement Day”.
The boxing world seems just about united, however, in predicting Paul is the only fighter set to face any judgement.
Undefeated heavyweight champion Usyk led the chorus of concern for a fighter giving up 13 centimetres in height and significant weight in a sanctioned bout scheduled for eight three-minute rounds.
“If Anthony Joshua wants, he can kill this guy,” Usyk told ESPN. “Joshua is an Olympic champion.
“Jake Paul, he’s a sportsman, YouTube, showman. Rolls Royce, Fiat. Listen, it’s true. It’s business, more money. Only this.
“I will pray for Jake Paul because I want a fight with him in the (UFC) Octagon.
“As a fan, I want Joshua facing Fury. Listen, I will try to help.”
The Ukrainian is reportedly helping Joshua prepare, in another shuddering thought for the Paul camp.
Former UFC superstar Conor McGregor has also given his thoughts on the fight, believing it should not go ahead.
“If (Paul) makes that (ring) walk, you gotta give him his respect for that,” McGregor told TMZ.
“It’s very dangerous. It seems like Netflix are all over him. It’s a dangerous sport and you can’t overlook that.
“Joshua’s a big boy and a powerhouse. I’ve sat ringside and watched Joshua.
“That’s a heavy-punching man. He’s a happy, good guy, but he has an anger in him.
“He has a darkness in him does Anthony Joshua. I don’t think a lot of people see that. The fight shouldn’t go ahead in my opinion.
“But if he does it, I’ll give him his respect for that.”
Hundreds of fans are also commenting on X and most are striking a similar tone.
Benjamin Day tweeted to Paul simply: “It was nice knowing you.”
Nigeria Shoutout said: “He’s beating you to pulp bro. All that noise from you, gonna turn to tears in minutes.”
Schrodinger’s cat stated: “I think Usain Bolt will be the referee because he will need to step in so fast to save Jake from serious injury.”
SpatyLmao offered: “It’s been nice knowing you champ rest in peace.”
Adam Hodl quipped: “Jake Paul is being heavily overlooked. If he trains hard and comes into this fight with the right mindset, I could see Jake Paul getting knocked out in the second round.”
Despite all the build-up and histrionics to date, some remain doubtful the fight will actually go ahead.
Phil Knight wrote: “Honestly if Jake actually gets in the ring with Joshua then he has balls of steel no matter what happens in the fight. I still don’t think it will happen, but if it does then he needs credit.”
FPL Giant added: “I’ll believe the fight is on when I see Jake walking to the ring. Before that, no way on earth I’m believing this fight will happen.”
Regardless of how the fight eventually unfolds, it is an enormous step up in class and experience as Paul desperately seeks respect with his gloves on.
How to watch Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua
The fight is being shown live on streaming giant Netflix, so you will need a subscription to the service to tune in.
How much is Paul vs Anthony?
If you have a subscription, there is no additional pay-per-view cost for the fight.
What time is Anthony vs Paul?
The event gets underway at 8pm Eastern Time on December 19 in the United States, which is midday Australian time on December 20.
In the notoriously unpredictable world of a boxing fight night, the ring walks for the main event are predicted around 3pm Australian time.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua full fight card
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua, heavyweight fight over eight rounds
Alycia Baumgardner vs Leila Beaudoin – WBA, IBF and WBO super featherweight title
Caroline Dubois vs Camila Panatta – WBC lightweight world title
Anderson Silva vs Tyron Woodley – Cruiserweight
Cherneka Johnson vs Amanda Galle – Undisputed WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO bantamweight title
Yokasta Valle vs Yadira Bustillos – WBC minimum-weight title
Avious Griffin vs Justin Cardona – welterweight
Keno Marley vs Diarra Davis Jr – cruiserweight
Originally published as Fans seriously concerned by Netflix’s Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua reveal
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