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Frank Warren on Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua fight
Boxing analyst Steve Bunce suggests Anthony Joshua received an “offer he simply couldn’t refuse” to engage in a bout with Jake Paul.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion, Britain’s Anthony Joshua, is slated to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul at the Kaseya Center in Miami on December 19.
The contest is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters utilizing regulation 10-ounce gloves.
Joshua, 36, who has previously weighed over 250lbs in his last three fights, must weigh in under 245lbs for this particular match.
Bunce characterized the fight as “ridiculous,” describing 28-year-old American Paul as merely a “novice.” However, he acknowledged the financial allure for Joshua, who is reportedly, external poised to earn £36.9m ($50m).
“Last November, Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson generated significant global attention,” Bunce stated on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Reports indicated a massive viewership of approximately 300 million across various platforms, with substantial financial compensation for the participants.
“This financial aspect is undeniably the impetus behind this Joshua-Paul matchup. Joshua received an offer that was too lucrative to decline, and he accepted it.
“I fully support any professional boxer, male or female, receiving fair compensation for their efforts.
“If Joshua is indeed earning the reported sum, considering his philanthropic contributions through his foundation, and if it benefits both him and the community, I see no issue with it.”
Bunce noted that Joshua is “still in negotiations” for a potential fight with fellow Briton Tyson Fury, suggesting the Paul bout may be one of the final substantial paydays for the 2012 Olympic champion, despite the apparent skill disparity.
“Joshua possesses a significant height and weight advantage. Furthermore, he is an Olympic champion, a fact often overlooked,” Bunce emphasized.
“Jake Paul is, by all accounts, a competent novice, particularly in the cruiserweight division. However, he remains a novice who orchestrates these unconventional matchups.”
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions and Paul’s manager, expressed no reservations regarding the safety aspects of the fight.
“I don’t view it as reckless in any way, shape, or form,” he told BBC Sport.
“Jake is in a more advantageous position compared to many other boxing matches. I believe he has a legitimate chance.
“Joshua is large and strong but lacks speed, making him susceptible to Jake’s agility. In my opinion, this is more justifiable than many sanctioned boxing matches.”
Conversely, former British middleweight Nick Blackwell, who retired from boxing due to a brain injury sustained in a 2016 fight against Chris Eubank Jr, voiced his opposition to the Joshua-Paul bout, deeming it “so dangerous.”
Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, he stated he does not “want anyone to endure what I experienced” and anticipates Joshua will “dominate the fight.”
Despite his personal concerns, he acknowledges the fight’s widespread appeal.
“He stands to gain a substantial sum of money, and it will undoubtedly attract a large audience,” he added.
“It’s entertainment on a grand scale for both participants, but I, along with many within the boxing community, do not endorse it.”
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Bunce acknowledged the recent trend of such crossover fights, citing UFC champion Francis Ngannou’s encounters with Tyson Fury and Joshua as examples.
Fury secured a controversial victory by split decision in October 2023, while Joshua achieved a dominant second-round knockout against Ngannou in March 2024.
“Tyson Fury ventured to Saudi Arabia and earned a considerable fortune fighting Ngannou, a formidable opponent standing at 6ft 7in and weighing 20 stone,” Bunce noted.
“Ngannou was portrayed as ‘untouchable’ and ‘unbreakable.’ He challenged Fury, even knocking him down, prompting widespread criticism that Fury had tarnished the sport.
“However, a few months later, Joshua faced Ngannou, assessed him, and decisively knocked him out unconscious in the second round, silencing the critics.”
Bunce clarified the stark contrast between Joshua facing Ngannou’s imposing physique and a fight against Paul.
He further elaborated: “The disparity is even more pronounced for Jake Paul, as Ngannou surpasses him by five inches in height and over five stone in weight, possessing what is arguably ‘the greatest chin in all combat sports.’
“Ngannou was ultimately knocked out in the second round, raising serious concerns about Paul’s prospects once the fight commences. Let’s be honest, everyone will be watching!”
However, Paul’s promoter, Bidarian, asserted that the bout represents a “career-defining moment” for both fighters, and that Joshua has the opportunity to become a “legend” among those in the “boxing community who harbor animosity towards Jake Paul.”
He explained: “For Jake Paul, it’s a platform to showcase his progress. For Anthony Joshua, it’s an opportunity to halt the Jake Paul phenomenon, but also carries significant risk if he underperforms.
“I commend him for disregarding the criticism suggesting he shouldn’t even share the ring with Jake Paul.”
Jake Paul has recorded 12 victories in 13 boxing matches, with his sole defeat against Tommy Fury.
At 36, and with his prime potentially behind him, Joshua’s decision to fight Paul is a less-than-ideal conclusion to his career, according to Bunce.
“From a purist’s perspective, observing the sport at every level, it’s undeniably undignified,” he stated.
“Would I have preferred to see him fight Fury five years ago? Absolutely. But that opportunity has passed, and even the prospect of that fight seems delayed.”
Bidarian predicts the Paul bout will be the “biggest combat sports event of 2025” and the “biggest fight” of Joshua’s career.
He stated: “From a reach and viewership standpoint, it is unequivocally the most significant fight.
“Similar to how the fight against Jake Paul was the most-watched event of Mike Tyson’s career.”
Bunce humorously suggested that Joshua’s fight with Paul still retains some semblance of credibility, considering the depths to which boxing has occasionally sunk.
“It could be worse. The esteemed Chuck Wepner famously fought a bear. Their initial encounter was so compelling that they staged a rematch!” he recounted.
“Wepner informed me that during the second fight, he observed the bear had ‘done his homework and neutralized his jab!'”
“Sometimes, this sport defies imagination.”
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