Anthony Joshua weighs in almost two stone heavier than Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua weighed in almost two stone heavier than Jake Paul for Friday’s controversial heavyweight bout, with the British heavyweight tipping the scales at 243.4lb, while Paul registered 216.6lb ahead of their clash in Miami, reports BritPanorama.
The former unified world heavyweight champion comfortably came in under the unusual 245lb limit that had been imposed specifically on him for this bout at the Kaseya Center. Heavyweight contests typically carry no weight restrictions, but this cap was introduced given the significant gulf in experience between the two-time world champion and the YouTube star turned boxer.
The professional eight-round contest will be fought using regulation 10oz gloves. Joshua insisted the weight cut posed no difficulties whatsoever, declaring, “I’ve made the weight easily. No problem.” This put an end to any hopes from the Paul camp that he might arrive weakened after dropping to his lowest poundage in years.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, reportedly exaggerated to Paul’s team how much the Briton typically weighs between bouts, despite Joshua scaling over 250lb in recent contests. Paul, meanwhile, stepped onto the scales at his heaviest recorded weight, three pounds more than when he faced Mike Tyson last year. The American appeared to be suffering from a cold and sore throat during the proceedings.
During the public weigh-in ceremony at the Fillmore Miami Beach, both fighters were elevated on large pedestals rising from the stage as they faced off. Joshua appeared more composed, while Paul seemed more animated. The pair exchanged throat-slitting gestures, with Joshua telling his opponent to stop touching him. Paul issued a prediction, stating, “I’ve got you where I want you. Under all the pressure, in a corner and ready to be knocked out in the sixth or seventh round.” Joshua replied bluntly, “I’m the serious boxer here and I’m going to f*** you up.”
Joshua defended his provocative remarks about having a “licence to kill” in the ring, which drew sharp criticism from Tyson Fury, who branded him a “classless loser.” The British heavyweight remained firm, saying, “That’s my job. We fight. We have a licence to kill. Many people don’t understand it, but this is what my job is.” Concerns persist about the mismatch between a former unified world champion and a cruiserweight novice with just 12 wins and one defeat. Despite the controversy, public interest in Miami appeared lukewarm, with seats at the venue less than half full and tickets still available. The promotion’s focus remains on the millions expected to watch on Netflix.
As the bout approaches, it serves as a reminder of how the worlds of traditional boxing and celebrity boxing collide, often leaving fans to wonder where the line truly lies.
