Joseph Parker: Jake Paul Is “Not a Real Boxer,” Anthony Joshua Must Stay Serious

The boxing world is never short of headlines, but some proposed matchups spark more debate than others. Recently, talks of a potential Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight drew reactions from across the sport. One of the most vocal critics has been Joseph Parker, who insists such a fight “doesn’t make any sense at all” if Joshua is still serious about competing at the top level.

Having shared the ring with Joshua back in 2018, Parker knows firsthand what it takes to face elite opposition. In his view, Jake Paul is not a legitimate contender but rather an entertainer capitalizing on boxing’s global appeal.

Joseph Parker’s Take on Joshua vs Paul

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Parker did not hold back when addressing the rumors of a potential showdown between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul.

“AJ was a great champion when he was champion. And if he is serious about boxing and serious about still being involved in the sport at a top level, that fight doesn’t make any sense at all,” Parker said.

Parker stressed that Paul, despite his popularity, is “not really a real boxer.” He praised Paul’s ability to promote himself but maintained that Joshua’s career demands fights against genuine world-class opponents.

“Jake Paul has done well, you know, to promote himself in saying that he’s one of the best in the world, but if you look at it, he’s not really a real boxer. He’s a YouTuber come into boxing, and he has done well. But if AJ wants to be serious, then he needs to fight the top fighters in the world.”

Jake Paul’s Boxing Career: Spectacle or Sport?

Jake Paul has carved out a unique space in combat sports. From YouTube beginnings to a 12-1 professional record with 7 knockouts, Paul has surprised critics by defeating former MMA fighters and journeyman boxers. However, many within the boxing community, like Parker, question whether these wins elevate him to a level where facing elite heavyweights like Joshua is remotely feasible.

Paul’s persona thrives on attention and controversy, which has fueled his pay-per-view sales. Yet, boxing purists often see his rise as a side show rather than a legitimate climb through the ranks.

Why Joshua vs Paul Negotiations Fell Apart

While there were talks of a fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul materializing at the end of 2025, negotiations collapsed before gaining real traction. For most observers, this came as no surprise.

Instead, Paul is now set to face Gervonta “Tank” Davis in an exhibition bout this November. The announcement underscores Paul’s continued push for crossover fights that generate buzz, even if they hold little sporting credibility in the eyes of traditional boxing fans.

Joshua’s camp, meanwhile, seemed less committed to the Paul fight than headlines suggested, raising questions about whether it was ever a serious option.

Anthony Joshua’s Current Status

Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) remains one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing, though his career trajectory has hit turbulence in recent years. After suffering defeats to Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua has struggled to recapture his past dominance.

His most recent outing ended in a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois over a year ago. Since then, Joshua has been linked with potential return bouts in late 2025 or early 2026, though nothing has been officially confirmed.

For Parker and many others, Joshua’s next move will determine whether he is still serious about reclaiming world title status—or content with celebrity-driven spectacles like a fight against Jake Paul.

Joseph Parker’s Perspective Carries Weight

Joseph Parker (36-3, 24 KOs) is not just any critic. The New Zealander shared the ring with Joshua in 2018, losing by unanimous decision in a world title unification bout. That experience gives him unique insight into Joshua’s abilities and the standards required at heavyweight championship level.

Currently, Parker is preparing to face Fabio Wardley on October 25, a fight that comes after a stalled pursuit of a WBO-ordered showdown with Oleksandr Usyk. Parker’s willingness to face dangerous contenders underscores his belief that elite fighters should consistently test themselves against top opposition—not crossover celebrities.

Why Joshua vs Paul Doesn’t Add Up

There are several reasons Parker and many others dismiss the idea of Joshua vs Paul as nonsensical:

1. Legacy Concerns – Joshua’s reputation as a former unified champion demands that he face legitimate contenders, not internet personalities.

2. Mismatch in Levels – Paul’s experience is limited to fringe opponents. Jumping to face an elite heavyweight is not only unrealistic but potentially dangerous.

3. Public Backlash – While the fight would undoubtedly attract attention, it risks damaging Joshua’s credibility among fans who expect him to pursue meaningful bouts.

4. Better Options Available – The heavyweight division is stacked with potential opponents such as Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce, Zhilei Zhang, and even a rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.

The Entertainment vs. Sport Debate

The speculation around Joshua vs Paul highlights a broader tension in modern boxing: the clash between entertainment-driven fights and sporting legitimacy. Crossover bouts involving celebrities or MMA fighters often attract massive audiences, but they blur the line between competition and spectacle.

For fighters like Joseph Parker, who are committed to climbing the rankings through merit, these spectacles can feel like distractions from the true essence of the sport. For fans, the debate reflects their own divide—some enjoy the entertainment value, while others demand pure competitive integrity.

What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?

Joshua’s future remains uncertain. Reports suggest he could make a return either late in 2025 or early 2026, but the opponent is yet to be finalized. If he is serious about another title run, he will need to prove it against credible opposition rather than celebrity-driven contests.

Fights with top contenders or rematches against rivals could restore Joshua’s standing and silence critics. Anything less may fuel the perception that his career is shifting toward entertainment rather than competition.

Joseph Parker’s Immediate Focus

For Parker, the focus is clear: his October 25 clash with Fabio Wardley. The fight presents both risk and opportunity. A win keeps him in contention for major heavyweight bouts, while a loss could derail his ambitions.

Parker’s criticism of Joshua vs Paul is consistent with his own approach—he continues to pursue legitimate fights against proven opponents, keeping himself in line with the sport’s highest standards.

Conclusion: Parker’s Message to Joshua

At the heart of Joseph Parker’s remarks is a simple message: if Anthony Joshua truly wants to remain a force in boxing, he must focus on fighting real contenders, not crossover celebrities like Jake Paul.

While Paul deserves credit for marketing himself and stepping into the ring, Parker’s words reflect the perspective of many within the boxing community. Legacy, competition, and sporting credibility are built through meaningful fights, not spectacles.

For Joshua, the path forward is clear—either reestablish himself as a serious heavyweight contender or risk being remembered more for circus fights than championship glory.