Jake Paul says that he wants to beat Anthony Joshua’s ass

In the world of boxing, where legacies are forged through blood, sweat, and discipline, it’s not often that a rising star outside the traditional boxing path shakes up the narrative. Yet, that’s precisely what Jake Paul, a YouTuber-turned-professional boxer, has been doing since stepping into the ring. His latest move? A bold and controversial challenge to none other than Anthony Joshua, the former unified heavyweight champion. Paul’s fiery words, laced with confidence and controversy, have sparked widespread debate within the boxing community. Let’s break down what this potential clash means, whether it holds any real weight, and how it fits into the broader boxing landscape.

The Callout Heard Around the World

During a recent episode of his podcast, “BS w/ Jake Paul,” the 26-year-old made headlines by openly targeting Anthony Joshua. His words left little room for interpretation:

“I want to fight Anthony Joshua because I know I will fing beat Anthony Joshua’s a. He doesn’t have a chin, he has no skill, and he’s stiff. I love you, Anthony. We’re friends and all this s**, but I want to fight you.”

This isn’t the first time Paul has called out established boxers, but challenging Joshua, a former heavyweight champion with years of professional experience, represents a significant escalation. Paul’s words reflect both his confidence and the polarizing nature of his boxing career thus far.

Jake Paul’s Rise in Boxing: From YouTube Star to Knockout Artist

To understand the significance of Paul’s challenge, it’s essential to recognize the unconventional path he has taken in boxing.

• From YouTube Fame to the Boxing Ring: Jake Paul first gained fame as a content creator, posting comedic sketches, pranks, and vlogs on platforms like Vine and YouTube. However, his decision to pivot to professional boxing in 2018 surprised many.

• A Growing Professional Record: Since making his boxing debut, Paul has racked up an impressive record, securing wins against a variety of opponents, including former MMA champions and fellow influencers. His victories over Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren, and even Nate Diaz have showcased his knockout power and commitment to the sport.

• Criticism and Controversy: Despite his wins, Paul’s detractors argue that he hasn’t faced a legitimate, professional boxer in his prime. His opponents, while skilled in their respective disciplines, have typically been past their athletic peaks or have backgrounds outside of boxing.

Anthony Joshua: The Heavyweight Powerhouse

In stark contrast to Jake Paul’s unorthodox rise, Anthony Joshua’s journey follows a more traditional path.

• Amateur Success and Olympic Glory: Joshua first made a name for himself in the amateur ranks, culminating in a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics.

• Professional Achievements: Joshua turned pro in 2013 and quickly established himself as one of the sport’s top heavyweights. He won the IBF heavyweight title in 2016 and later unified the division by adding the WBA, WBO, and IBO belts to his collection. His victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, and Kubrat Pulev solidified his reputation as a dominant force in the heavyweight division.

• Recent Challenges: Despite his early dominance, Joshua has faced setbacks in recent years, including losses to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk. Critics have pointed to his perceived vulnerabilities, particularly his chin and defensive strategy, as areas of concern.

Breaking Down the Potential Matchup

If a fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua were to materialize, it would raise several key questions about size, skill, and experience.

1. Size and Weight Disparity

One of the most obvious challenges in making this fight happen is the significant size difference between the two fighters.

• Anthony Joshua: Standing at 6’6″ and weighing around 240-250 pounds, Joshua is a natural heavyweight with the strength and frame to dominate opponents in his division.
• Jake Paul: At 6’1″ and typically weighing between 190-200 pounds, Paul competes in the cruiserweight division. Moving up to heavyweight would require him to add a considerable amount of weight, which could impact his speed, stamina, and overall performance.

In boxing, weight classes exist for a reason. The sheer physical difference between a heavyweight like Joshua and a cruiserweight like Paul could prove to be a decisive factor.

2. Experience Gap

Joshua’s professional record and level of competition far exceed anything Jake Paul has encountered. Joshua has faced elite-level heavyweights, endured grueling fights, and demonstrated the ability to adapt and overcome adversity in the ring.

Paul, on the other hand, is still relatively early in his boxing career. While he has shown flashes of skill and power, he has yet to face a top-tier professional boxer, let alone a former world champion.

3. Financial and Promotional Appeal

Despite the challenges outlined above, a fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua would likely be a financial blockbuster. Both fighters have massive followings, and their contrasting personalities—Paul’s brash, trash-talking style versus Joshua’s more measured and professional demeanor—would create a compelling narrative.

Paul’s ability to generate hype and draw attention to his fights is undeniable. His bouts consistently attract millions of pay-per-view buys, and a clash with Joshua would almost certainly follow suit.

The Reactions: Praise, Criticism, and Everything in Between

As expected, Paul’s callout of Joshua has elicited a wide range of reactions from fans, analysts, and fellow boxers.

• Supporters: Paul’s fans admire his confidence and willingness to challenge himself by taking on increasingly difficult opponents. They argue that his dedication to training and improving as a boxer deserves respect, regardless of his unconventional path.
• Critics: Many within the boxing world view Paul’s challenge as a publicity stunt, designed to generate headlines rather than a serious attempt to fight a heavyweight contender. Detractors argue that Paul should focus on facing established cruiserweights or light heavyweights before considering a jump to the heavyweight division.

What’s Next for Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua?

While it’s unclear whether Paul’s challenge will lead to an actual fight, both fighters have plenty of options on the horizon.

• Jake Paul: After his recent victory over Nate Diaz, Paul could continue to build his boxing resume by facing other high-profile opponents in the cruiserweight division. Potential matchups with boxers like Tommy Fury or former champions like Vitor Belfort could further enhance his credibility.
• Anthony Joshua: Joshua, meanwhile, is focused on reclaiming his position at the top of the heavyweight division. A potential trilogy fight with Andy Ruiz Jr. or a showdown with Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder would be more logical next steps for the British star.

Conclusion: A Fight for the Ages or a Pipe Dream?

Jake Paul’s challenge to Anthony Joshua is a bold move that perfectly encapsulates the changing dynamics of modern boxing. In an era where entertainment value often takes precedence over traditional rankings and title belts, fights like this—whether they happen or not—capture the imagination of fans and spark heated debates.

While the odds may be stacked against Paul, his journey from YouTube to the boxing ring has already defied expectations. Whether he can continue to silence his critics by taking on—and potentially defeating—a former heavyweight champion like Anthony Joshua remains to be seen. For now, one thing is certain: Jake Paul knows how to keep the boxing world talking.