In a stunning intervention, Tyson Fury's promoter Frank Warren has declared that Anthony Joshua should hang up his gloves and forget about a long-awaited domestic clash with Fury if he fails to impress against YouTube sensation Jake Paul.
The High-Stakes Miami Showdown
The boxing world is set for a major event on 19 December in Miami, where former world champion Anthony Joshua will face the formidable challenge of social media star turned professional boxer Jake Paul. The bout is sanctioned as a professional heavyweight contest, scheduled for eight three-minute rounds.
The fight regulations confirm the use of standard 10oz gloves and, crucially, permit knockouts. A significant stipulation for the former champion is that he must weigh in at no more than 245lbs for the encounter. This match represents the most significant test of Paul's burgeoning career, while Joshua is looking to rebound from his defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.
Warren's Controversial Ultimatum
Despite the impending fight, much of the conversation in British boxing circles continues to revolve around a potential blockbuster bout between Anthony Joshua and the current WBC titleholder, Tyson Fury, tentatively eyed for 2026.
However, Fury's promoter, Frank Warren, has thrown a spanner in the works with his stark assessment. Warren believes that the very prospect of that all-British super-fight should be contingent on Joshua's performance against Paul. He has issued a blunt verdict, suggesting that if Joshua “looks bad” in the ring in Miami, he should avoid Tyson Fury altogether and consider retirement.
Promotional Divide and Future Implications
This public commentary from the Fury camp creates a fascinating narrative counterpoint to the efforts of Joshua's own promoter, Eddie Hearn. Hearn has been persistently discussing the potential for a Joshua vs Fury showdown, building anticipation amongst fans.
Warren's stark warning now places immense pressure on Joshua for the December fight. No longer is it just about securing a victory; his entire future at the elite level of the sport could be on the line based on the quality of his performance. The outcome in Miami will not only determine the next step for Jake Paul's project but could also definitively shape the legacy of one of Britain's most celebrated heavyweights.
