Deontay Wilder claims Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul’s fight is scripted
Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has made an explosive allegation regarding the upcoming fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, asserting that the bout is scripted. The Miami match, set for December 19, has drawn scepticism from the former WBC heavyweight champion, raising questions about its legitimacy, reports BritPanorama.
Wilder expressed his opinion by stating, “I think the fight is scripted. I think his fights in general have been scripted before. That’s just my strong opinion.” This statement reflects a broader distrust regarding the nature of certain high-profile boxing events.
Wilder further highlighted the physical disparity between the fighters, questioning how Paul could transition from competing against retired UFC fighters to facing an active two-time unified heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medallist like Joshua. He pointed out that Paul typically weighs around 215lbs while Joshua enters the ring at approximately 250lbs, a significant gap of around 35 pounds.
At an IBA event in Dubai, Wilder noted, “That is a big difference in weight, especially when you add in Joshua’s experience too.” He emphasized the importance of weighing the experience and credentials of the fighters involved, suggesting that such disparities are consequential in boxing.
Wilder underscored his own experience, stating that he routinely faces opponents weighing 20 to 50 pounds more and feels capable of handling such challenges, something he believes does not apply to Paul. He differentiated the upcoming bout from Paul’s previous encounter with Mike Tyson, framing the Tyson event as mere entertainment rather than competitive sport due to Tyson’s age and lack of recent form.
The former champion articulated, “When you looked at that fight, you just thought of it as a fun one. You had a legend of the sport in there and was taking on a YouTuber, it was a good one. A fun fight. This is different.” Joshua, in contrast, is actively training and competing at high levels, complicating Wilder’s assessment of the fight’s authenticity.
Despite his concerns about the nature of the match, Wilder reminded observers of the inherent dangers of boxing. He cautioned that the sport is always perilous, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding a fight. He revealed that he undergoes regular CAT scans, MRIs, and neurological checks, stressing that fighters, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds, should be wary of cumulative damage, which may manifest long after fights conclude.
Wilder concluded his remarks with a stark caution: “The head is not meant to be hit.” The ongoing discussion surrounding this imminent matchup not only raises questions about its authenticity but also underscores the continual risk associated with boxing, regardless of the fighters involved.
As the fight approaches, the spotlight remains on the implications of Wilder’s claims, creating a complex narrative that intertwines spectacle with serious athletic competition.
