Shock Prediction for Joshua vs Paul Clash
In a surprising twist to the build-up of the controversial fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, fellow British boxer Lawrence Okolie has offered a contrarian view. While many within the boxing world are predicting a swift and brutal early stoppage, Okolie believes the YouTuber-turned-boxer will last significantly longer in the ring than anticipated.
The Unlikely December Showdown
The boxing fraternity was sent into a frenzy last week with the confirmation that Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are set to face each other in a professional bout. The fight is scheduled for December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, and will be contested over eight three-minute rounds. Both fighters will use 10oz gloves, and crucially, the result will officially count on their professional records, adding a layer of gravitas to the spectacle.
This matchup presents a stark contrast in experience. Joshua is a former world champion who has operated at the elite heavyweight level for his entire career. Paul, primarily a cruiserweight, has only one prior fight at heavyweight—a decision victory over the legendary but aged Mike Tyson in November of last year. Adding to the intrigue, Joshua has been mandated not to exceed 245lbs in weight for this contest.
Okolie's Insider Perspective
Lawrence Okolie, who is preparing for his own fight next month, brings a unique perspective to the analysis. He has previously trained with Jake Paul in Dubai, offering the American crucial advice three years ago. While remaining somewhat guarded about the specifics of their sessions, Okolie provided a detailed technical breakdown of the upcoming fight.
"For some reason I don’t think so," Okolie told reporters when asked if the fight would be a quick blowout. He elaborated on Joshua's potential approach, suggesting, "From what I’ve gathered of AJ I don’t think he’s going to go hit him with a massive right hand and end it in 30 seconds... If Jake Paul clips him and doesn’t take him out with the first time he hits him hard, that’s when I think it’s going to get interesting."
Okolie pinpointed the significant size and reach advantage of Anthony Joshua as Paul's primary hurdle. "The biggest hurdle that Jake Paul is going to have is the size difference," he stated. "When you are in there with a bigger guy, they can kind of just off set your rhythm quite quickly." However, he left the door open for a potential shock, acknowledging that Paul's team may have "seen something that none of us can see."
How to Watch the Miami Fight
For fans in the UK eager to witness this unprecedented event, the timing will be a late one. The main event walk-outs are expected to occur at around 11pm local time in Miami, which translates to 4am UK time on the morning of December 20th. The entire event will be broadcast live on Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience. As with all major boxing events, the exact start time is subject to change based on the duration of the undercard fights.
