Former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been issued a stark warning ahead of his professional showdown with YouTube sensation Jake Paul later this month.
Masvidal's stern warning to AJ
According to former UFC welterweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal, Joshua could face serious consequences if he fails to take the contest seriously. Masvidal suggested that while there is a clear disparity in skill set, the unpredictable nature of combat sports means an upset is always possible.
"Jake [Paul] could always just land the shot. AJ could not be taking him seriously whatsoever, not training, not doing anything, partying harder than ever," Masvidal told Thunderpick. "And then go out there and maybe shit the bed. It could happen, it's fighting."
Fight details and preparation
The high-profile bout is scheduled for December 19 in Miami, Florida, and will be streamed live on Netflix. The pair had initially agreed to fight in 2026, but the date was moved forward unexpectedly.
For Joshua, this marks his first fight in over a year. Concerns have been raised that the 36-year-old might be overlooking Paul, having expressed a desire to stay busy in 2026 with a potential summer clash against Tyson Fury.
However, Joshua's promoter, Eddie Hearn, has moved to quell any fears, revealing his client is already in Miami and training intensely. "He's good, he's really dialled in as if he was fighting an elite heavyweight," Hearn told talkSPORT. "The one thing he always does is take everything seriously and he is doing so for this."
Weight stipulation and final thoughts
A unique stipulation for the fight is that Joshua cannot weigh more than 245lb, a limit lighter than his recent bouts against Daniel Dubois and Francis Ngannou. Joshua has already confirmed via social media that he is under this limit with two weeks to spare.
Masvidal ultimately commended Paul for taking the opportunity, stating: "When else is Jake gonna get a chance like this?" He added, "You're gonna get in there with fucking AJ. God be with you."
The event is set to begin at around 11pm local time in Miami (4am UK time) on December 19, with the main event walk-outs expected shortly after.
