British boxing icon Carl Froch has launched a scathing attack on fellow fighter Anthony Joshua, condemning his decision to step into the ring with YouTube sensation Jake Paul.
A Clash in the 'Clown World'
The highly publicised professional bout is scheduled for 19 December in Miami. The fight, which will be streamed globally on Netflix, is set for eight three-minute rounds. Both fighters will wear 10oz gloves, and knockouts are permitted.
Froch, a former super-middleweight world champion, did not hold back in his assessment. He characterised the match-up as Joshua entering the "clown world" and accused the two-time heavyweight champion of effectively "cashing out" his career.
Questioning a Legacy
Froch's central argument is that this fight significantly tarnishes Joshua's standing in the sport. He openly questioned whether Joshua has the credentials for a Hall of Fame career, pointing to past losses against both elite and mediocre opposition.
According to Froch, Joshua's primary legacy is popularising boxing and selling out stadiums, rather than being remembered for an untouchable record. This move, he contends, undermines that legacy further.
This criticism comes despite Joshua's own stated ambitions. The British heavyweight has publicly spoken about his goal of securing a third world heavyweight title reign and a future, long-awaited domestic showdown with Tyson Fury.
What This Means for Boxing
The fight represents a continued trend of celebrity and social media influencers crossing over into professional boxing. While these events generate enormous revenue and attract new audiences, they are often met with scepticism from boxing purists.
Froch's comments highlight a significant divide in the sport. On one side is the commercial appeal of events like Joshua vs. Paul, and on the other is the traditional view of a fighter's legacy being built solely against established, top-tier competition.
The world will be watching on 19 December to see how this unprecedented bout unfolds and what it ultimately means for the future of heavyweight boxing.
