Anthony Joshua has delivered a stark verdict on Jake Paul's boxing prowess, stating the YouTube sensation lacks the skill to win a British title, let alone a world championship.
The Stage is Set for a Heavyweight Showdown
The British boxing star is set to return to the ring after over a year away, facing Paul in a professional heavyweight bout on December 19 in Miami. Joshua's last fight was a crushing fifth-round knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.
The former two-time world champion, now 36, has been sidelined for much of 2025 after undergoing surgery on his elbow. He is now back in full training, with the fight against Paul seen as a way to get vital minutes in the ring ahead of a planned big 2026.
Joshua's Blunt Assessment of Paul's Ability
When asked which of his last six opponents Paul could potentially beat, Joshua was sparing in his praise. "Maybe (Francis) Ngannou. That is a fight we might see in the future," he conceded after the pair faced off in Miami.
However, the Brit did not mince his words when questioned if Paul could defeat the likes of Frazer Clarke or Jeamie TKV for a British title. "Would he beat them two? I do not think he could beat Frazer or TKV," Joshua stated bluntly.
This professional bout represents a significant step down in competition for Joshua, whose career has featured fights against elite boxers like Oleksandr Usyk, Wladimir Klitschko, and Andy Ruiz Jr.
Paul's Boxing Journey and Missed Opportunities
Jake Paul, whose sole defeat came against Tommy Fury two years ago, has largely built his record against former MMA fighters. His skillset has been questioned since his professional debut in 2020.
A potential bout with former UFC champion Francis Ngannou failed to materialise after Ngannou brutally declined the social media star's proposal. MVP CEO Nakisa Bidarian revealed that Ngannou felt Paul wasn't on his level, adding that the ex-UFC champion "cannot afford to lose to Jake Paul in boxing because he's already been knocked out by Anthony Joshua."
Paul's scheduled fight with Gervonta Davis earlier this month was also cancelled after Davis faced serious allegations.
How to Watch the Miami Showdown
The highly anticipated fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul will take place in Miami on December 19, just six days before Christmas. The main event is expected to begin around 11pm local time (4am UK time), though these times can change depending on the undercard.
In a significant move for the sport, the entire event will be streamed live on Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience.
