Anthony Joshua prepares for Jake Paul showdown
Anthony Joshua has firmly rejected suggestions that his forthcoming bout against Jake Paul contains any contractual requirements for him to hold back against the YouTuber-turned-boxer, reports BritPanorama.
The former two-time heavyweight world champion will face Paul in Miami on 19 December in what promises to be one of boxing’s most-watched encounters. Speaking to TMZ Sports, the 36-year-old British fighter addressed the persistent speculation surrounding Paul’s fights and stated, “I am telling you, there is no stipulation in the contract where I have to take it easy on him.”
Joshua also noted that Paul opted for 10oz gloves for their contest, suggesting his opponent harbours genuine intentions to cause damage. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has outlined his own vision for the December 19 showdown, playfully describing it as the “script” while firmly dismissing any notion of predetermined outcomes.
“Let me tell you the script for AJ against Jake Paul,” Hearn told iFL TV. “The bell’s going to go. AJ’s going to go out, take the middle of the ring, and he’s going to unload the heaviest artillery on Jake Paul’s chin he can as quickly as possible, and he’s going to knock him spark out.”
The Matchroom chief expressed complete confidence in his fighter’s ability to dispatch Paul swiftly. “If you think this is scripted, wait till you see what happens on December 19, because you will go, ‘F**k me’. One thing’s for sure, that weren’t scripted,” Hearn added. Joshua acknowledged that he fully comprehends the weight of expectation resting upon his shoulders from boxing supporters.
“I really understand where they’re coming from. I understand. I get it,” he said of those demanding an early stoppage against Paul. The Watford-born fighter expressed genuine respect for the fans’ perspective, refusing to dismiss their concerns. “I know the expectations and demands these fans have. And I respect it. If I didn’t respect it, I’d be honest with you and say, ‘No, they’re talking rubbish,’ but I do,” Joshua explained.
He confirmed his intentions align precisely with public expectations, declaring his approach would be to “seek and destroy” the American social media personality. Despite widespread reports suggesting Joshua could pocket as much as £70 million for the Netflix-broadcast spectacle, the British heavyweight has confirmed this will not represent his largest career payday. When asked by TMZ whether this would constitute his biggest purse to date, Joshua responded simply: “Unfortunately not.”
The Miami clash marks Joshua’s return to the ring following his devastating knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium some 15 months ago. Hearn views the Paul encounter as a stepping stone towards a potentially lucrative all-British showdown with Tyson Fury, tentatively earmarked for September next year. Joshua himself regards the bout as a tune-up ahead of that prospective meeting with the Gypsy King.
This upcoming fight not only tests Joshua’s resilience but also proves the unpredictable intersection of sport and celebrity. As the hype builds, the boxing world will be keenly watching, with many eager to see if the former champion re-establishes his dominance or if a new chapter unfolds for Paul.
