YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul has been told to sack his entire team of advisors after confirming a controversial professional bout with former world champion Anthony Joshua.
The fight, which has sent shockwaves through the boxing world, is scheduled for December 19 in Miami and will be contested over eight three-minute rounds under professional rules.
Itauma's Stern Warning
Rising British heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma has delivered a blistering assessment of the match-up, bluntly stating that Paul needs to 'fire his advisers' for suggesting he take on such a dangerous opponent.
'The people that tell him to make these fights, because that's not good,' Itauma told BBC Sport. While acknowledging the financial incentive, he described the situation as 'absurd,' forcing Paul to weigh '£50million [vs] my health.'
Itauma, who is preparing for his own fight against Jermaine Franklin on January 24, added a personal note of concern, stating, 'if I were Jake Paul's brother, I'd be very worried.'
Joshua's Comeback Path
For Anthony Joshua, the fight serves as a high-profile warm-up. The 36-year-old has not fought since his devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024.
Reports indicate Joshua is using the Paul match to prepare for a planned return to Saudi Arabia in February. This is expected to set the stage for a long-awaited blockbuster showdown with British rival Tyson Fury in London next September.
Joshua has faced significant criticism for accepting a fight with a social media star, a move many purists see as damaging to the sport's credibility.
Paul's Unconventional Career
Jake Paul has built a 12-1 professional record largely by facing retired MMA fighters. His most notable, and heavily criticised, victory came against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson a year ago.
His sole venture against a professional boxer his own age ended in defeat to Tommy Fury in 2023. Paul was recently scheduled to fight Gervonta Davis, but pulled out after his opponent faced serious legal allegations.
This upcoming fight presents a substantial physical challenge for Paul, who has primarily competed at cruiserweight and could be at a three-stone weight disadvantage against the powerful Joshua.
Despite the warnings, the spectacle is set to capture global attention, blending the worlds of social media stardom and elite heavyweight boxing in a contest that continues to divide opinion.
