Heavyweight boxing legend Oleksandr Usyk has delivered a brutally succinct verdict on the upcoming professional fight between Anthony Joshua and YouTube sensation turned boxer Jake Paul, using a stark automotive analogy.
Usyk's Scathing Car Comparison
When asked for his prediction by Boxing King Media, the Ukrainian champion, 38, was initially reserved before offering his frank assessment. "A Rolls-Royce cannot have any competition from a Fiat," Usyk stated. "It makes no sense. Anthony Joshua is the Rolls-Royce, Jake Paul is the Fiat." This damning summary reflects the view of many in the boxing world, who see a monumental gulf in class and experience between the two fighters.
The pair are scheduled to meet in a professional bout on Friday, 19 December in Miami, Florida. The event will be streamed live on Netflix, with UK fans able to watch via Sky's TV bundles. For Joshua, 36, this marks a return after a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 and a subsequent year largely sidelined by injury.
Joshua's Secret Sessions with Usyk
In a surprising twist ahead of the contest, 'AJ' has sought counsel from his former rival, Usyk. The Ukrainian defeated Joshua twice in 2021 and 2022, which are widely considered the Brit's toughest tests in a career boasting victories over legends like Wladimir Klitschko.
Sergey Lapin from Team Usyk confirmed the link-up to OLBG, explaining: "Nothing happens by accident. AJ is someone who’s always looking to grow. That’s why he reached out — he wants new solutions and honest work that can take him to the next level." He clarified that the two heavyweights did not spar, as Paul is not a southpaw like Usyk, but Joshua absorbed valuable experience during the preparation process.
Weight Drama and Paul's Heavyweight Pedigree
One of the most contentious points ahead of the fight is a stipulated weight limit for Joshua. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Paul's team insisted Joshua cannot weigh more than 245lb (approx. 111kg) for the contest, a significant cut for a natural heavyweight. Hearn recounted the negotiation, stating Paul's camp argued: "'look, we’re not being funny and it’s not that we need an advantage, but we need you to have some disadvantage.'"
Jake Paul, 28, last fought in June, securing a decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Known as a natural cruiserweight, 'The Problem Child' does have some experience at heavyweight, having moved up to claim a points victory over the legendary Mike Tyson in November of last year. His upcoming clash with Joshua, however, represents his most serious foray into the division.
The fight is set for eight rounds, with the main event walk-expected around 11pm local Miami time (4am UK time) on 19 December. With Joshua leaving "no stone unturned" in training and Paul aiming for a seismic upset, Usyk's Rolls-Royce versus Fiat analogy will be put to the ultimate test just days before Christmas.
