Massive £140 Million Heavyweight Clash Confirmed
In a blockbuster announcement that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua are officially set to face off in a professional heavyweight bout. The monumental showdown is scheduled for December 19 in Miami, with the total purse for the two fighters reported to be a staggering £140 million.
Okolie Lends His Experience to Paul's Camp
Ahead of the most significant fight of his career, Jake Paul has strategically bolstered his training camp. He has accepted an offer of sparring from Lawrence Okolie, a former world champion and a long-term friend of Anthony Joshua. Okolie was the first fighter to join Joshua's management company before they parted ways.
Okolie is not alone in preparing Paul for the challenge. The American YouTube star-turned-boxer has also welcomed heavyweights Jared Anderson and Frank Sanchez into his camp. The involvement of Okolie is considered particularly invaluable; standing at 6ft 5in, he is just an inch shorter than Joshua, giving Paul a crucial taste of the size and reach he will confront in the ring.
"I Don't Want to See Him Destroyed": Okolie's Motive
Lawrence Okolie previously publicly offered his assistance to Paul, expressing a desire to ensure the American was properly prepared. "I want to go help Jake Paul, give him a chance," Okolie told ESPN. "What I don't want to happen to him is he gets absolutely destroyed in a round or whatever if AJ turns it on."
Okolie, who will be in Nigeria on the night of the fight, aims to provide Paul with a realistic sense of what it's like to be in the ring with a world-class heavyweight. He admitted to curiosity about Paul's confidence, stating, "I want to know what it is that's allowed Jake Paul to say to himself; 'I'm going to get in there with a 250-pound muscle man from England... former two-time heavyweight world champion'."
Despite acknowledging the vast difference in size and skill, Okolie hasn't completely ruled out an upset. "You know what, crazier things have happened. So, we'll see," he commented. He also suggested that Joshua may not be looking for an immediate knockout, potentially using the early rounds as an exercise. However, Okolie warned that if Paul were to land a significant shot, Joshua would likely respond decisively.
Fight Details and Weight Agreement
For this high-profile crossover fight, Anthony Joshua has agreed to a weight restriction of 245 pounds. The bout will be streamed globally on Netflix, making it one of the most accessible major boxing events of the year. As the date draws nearer, the boxing world is split between those who see it as a mere spectacle and those who believe Jake Paul could spring a surprise against the British boxing icon.
