In a shocking prediction that has sent ripples through the combat sports world, renowned UFC commentator Joe Rogan has declared that YouTube sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul will be "f***ed" the instant former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua connects with his powerful right hand.
The Controversial December Showdown
The explosive comments came during Rogan's popular Joe Rogan Experience podcast, where he expressed utter disbelief at the upcoming bout scheduled for December 19 in Miami. Paul sent shockwaves through boxing circles earlier this month by announcing he would face the two-time heavyweight king, despite the vast difference in experience and proven knockout power.
Rogan didn't mince words when assessing what he called "one of the craziest propositions of all time." The iconic podcaster questioned the logic of matching Paul, who recently fought a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in what resembled "a sparring match," against what he described as "one of the absolute scariest knockout artists in the heavyweight division."
Joshua's Terrifying Track Record
Anthony Joshua's credentials speak volumes about the challenge awaiting Paul. The British powerhouse first claimed the world heavyweight championship in 2016 and has secured 25 of his 28 victories by knockout. Despite suffering a shocking defeat to Andy Ruiz in 2019, Joshua immediately reclaimed his unified titles by outclassing Ruiz on points in their subsequent rematch.
Although Joshua experienced consecutive losses to pound-for-pound master Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021 and August 2022, and a fourth defeat last year against compatriot Daniel Dubois, Rogan emphasised that Joshua remains "one of the scariest f***ing heavyweights alive."
"He's gonna be terrifying, and he's gonna have a lot to prove," Rogan added about AJ. "He's gonna be very angry that Jake Paul wants to fight him, very upset that this YouTuber who's fought Tommy Fury, who's a legit boxer, and a couple of other guys who are legit boxers [wants to fight him]."
The Nuclear Right Hand
Rogan delivered his most brutal assessment when discussing Joshua's signature weapon - his devastating right hand. "That right hand, if it hits you, you are f***ed," he warned Paul. "This is a giant Olympic gold medallist heavyweight. I mean, Anthony Joshua is f***ing terrifying. He's got that one punch nuclear power, one punch, and he's fast."
The UFC commentator went even further, describing Joshua as a "specialist at putting knuckles through your f***ing brain" and concluding that "that's what he's gonna try to do to Jake Paul."
Despite his astonishment at the matchup, Rogan admitted he's "definitely gonna watch" Paul test himself against the British knockout artist.
Fighters' Mindset Ahead of Clash
Joshua appears to be taking the fight seriously, despite the perceived mismatch. For their December encounter, he's contractually forbidden from weighing in at any more than 245lbs - which will be the lightest he's been since his rematch with Usyk, where he weighed 244.5lbs.
At last week's press conference, Joshua left no doubt about his intentions: "I'm going to break his face and break his body up. I'm here to prove I'm the better fighter. I'll stomp all over him. That's a fighter's mentality. I'm going to really want to hurt him. That's what I want to do."
Paul, meanwhile, seems remarkably unfazed by the mountainous task ahead. Responding to Joshua's threats, the social media star said: "This is going to be fun. I want him to cut me up. I want him to break my face."
Paul's boxing record shows he was beaten by Tyson Fury's younger brother Tommy in what many considered his biggest test to date back in February 2023. He has won all 12 of his other contests against what most consider inferior opposition, including his bout against the 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
As December 19 approaches, the combat sports world waits with bated breath to see whether Rogan's brutal prediction will come true or if Paul can pull off what would be one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
