Jake Paul faces tough sparring days before Anthony Joshua fight
Jake Paul is reportedly experiencing difficulties in sparring as he prepares for his upcoming boxing match against Anthony Joshua in Miami, with the bout expected to attract millions of viewers on Netflix, reports BritPanorama.
This matchup has stirred considerable controversy, particularly given Paul’s background as a former YouTuber. Although he has built a commendable reputation in boxing, Joshua’s credentials as a two-time world champion present a stark contrast between the two fighters.
In the lead-up to the fight, Ryan Garcia disclosed to The Sun that Paul has been “getting beat up” in sparring with heavyweight boxers, indicating that even they are not Joshua. Garcia added, “S**t, I’m leaking some s**t. But… [Joshua] has got 50lbs on him.”
Despite the challenges in sparring, Paul is reportedly dedicated to his training regimen. Heavyweights Lawrence Okolie and Frank Sanchez have been involved in his preparations, indicative of the seriousness he is applying to this bout.
Notably, Joshua is favoured to win, despite his absence from the ring following a loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024. Paul, however, embraces the role of the underdog, asserting on social media that he possess skills superior to those of his opponent.
“To me the weight doesn’t matter; that weight is not gonna make a difference,” Paul stated, showing confidence in his abilities with a hint of audacity.
He elaborated, “It’s gonna be the skills that win this fight and I believe my skills are better than his. Which is a crazy thing to say, but he’s a very basic fighter and he’s gotten to where he’s at because of the size and because of the power.” Paul recalled Joshua’s past encounter with Oleksandr Usyk as a reminder of the importance of finesse over sheer force.
On his part, Joshua has conveyed his strategy, expressing an intention to sap Paul’s energy before delivering a decisive knockout. “I can see someone’s energy frequency leaving their body… that’s what my goal is,” he remarked, reflecting on his tactical mindset.
The fight is set for eight rounds and will feature eight bouts on the undercard, adding to the intrigue surrounding this high-profile match that has captured the attention of boxing enthusiasts across the globe.
This clash, with its mix of contrast and narrative, promises not only a test of physical prowess but a showcase of two diverging paths that have led these fighters to the ring. In boxing, as always, triumph often hinges not only on strength, but also strategy and resolve. The anticipation grows, not just for the fight itself, but for the stories that emerge from it—reflecting the complex dance of ambition, legacy, and, inevitably, the split opinions of spectators.