Heavyweight boxing legend Anthony Joshua has made waves with his blunt assessment of Jake Paul's boxing career, particularly his high-profile bout against Tommy Fury. In a no-holds-barred interview, Joshua dismissed the spectacle as "not real boxing," sparking debate among fans and pundits alike.
Joshua's Controversial Take
The two-time world champion didn't mince words when asked about the YouTube star-turned-boxer. "Let's be honest," Joshua said, "what Jake Paul is doing is entertainment, not professional boxing. It's a different game altogether."
His comments come after Paul's split-decision loss to Tommy Fury in Saudi Arabia last year - a fight that generated massive pay-per-view numbers but divided opinion in the boxing community.
The Fury Factor
Joshua did acknowledge Tommy Fury's credentials, stating: "Tommy comes from boxing royalty. He's got the pedigree and the training. But these influencer fights? They're a spectacle, not sport."
The Watford-born fighter suggested that while such events might bring new eyes to boxing, they shouldn't be confused with the real thing. "There's room for all of it," he conceded, "but let's not pretend it's the same as what we do at the elite level."
Boxing Purists React
Joshua's comments have reignited the debate about crossover fights in boxing. Many traditionalists have applauded his stance, while others argue that influencer bouts help grow the sport's audience.
What remains clear is that as long as these mega-fights continue to draw huge crowds and generate millions, the conversation about their place in boxing isn't going away anytime soon.
