Boxing legend Barry McGuigan has launched a scathing critique of the upcoming heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and YouTube sensation Jake Paul, labelling the contest 'absolutely dangerous' and expressing grave fears for Paul's welfare.
A Controversial Mega-Money Bout
The boxing world was set abuzz on Monday when Anthony Joshua confirmed he will face Jake Paul in a deal reported to be worth an estimated £140 million. The fight, scheduled for the United States, is being marketed by promoters as 'the most dangerous' contest of Paul's career. This will be only the novice boxer's second fight at heavyweight, following his highly controversial bout against Mike Tyson on Netflix last November.
Joshua, 36, is using the fight as part of his final run at the heavyweight world championship. The eight-round affair will be contested in three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves, marking Joshua's first return to the ring since he was crushed by Daniel Dubois 14 months ago.
Safety Concerns and Official Condemnation
The match has drawn significant criticism for potentially putting the 28-year-old Paul in harm's way. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) confirmed it would not have sanctioned the fight in the UK. Robert Smith, the general secretary of the BBBofC, stated that the governing body would have 'almost certainly' rejected an application to stage the fight in Britain, as it would not be seen as beneficial to the sport.
McGuigan has now added his powerful voice to the growing list of detractors. He highlighted the particular danger of the 'no-holds-barred contract' under which Joshua and Paul are set to fight. 'If it's all straight up and proper, you would worry that he would take this kid's head off; you'd worry that he would knock Jake Paul out very, very badly,' McGuigan told The Telegraph.
Comparisons to Ngannou and Drastic Weight Adjustments
McGuigan drew a stark comparison to Joshua's recent demolition of UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who was obliterated inside two rounds. 'Joshua went out in two rounds and absolutely obliterated him and knocked him out very badly,' said McGuigan. 'How in the hell is Jake Paul going to do any better than him?'
The fight also necessitates drastic weight adjustments for both boxers. The weight limit has been set at 245lbs. Joshua has weighed more than 250lbs in each of his last five fights, while Paul weighed around just 200lbs for his last bout in June, presenting a significant physical disparity.
Despite the concerns, both fighters have issued bold statements. Joshua proclaimed, 'Jake or anyone can get this work. No mercy... I'm about to break the internet over Jake Paul's face.' Meanwhile, 'The Problem Child' Paul, who holds a record of 12 wins and one loss, vowed that 'Britain's Goliath' will be 'put to sleep' when they meet in Miami on Friday, December 19, in a fight streamed globally on Netflix.
