Jake Paul’s mother expresses fear ahead of Anthony Joshua showdown
Jake Paul’s mother has voiced her deep concerns about her son’s upcoming fight against Anthony Joshua, set to take place on 19 December at Miami’s Kaseya Center, reports BritPanorama.
In a video shared by Paul, Pam Stepnick’s emotional reaction to the news reveals the trepidation many observers feel regarding the fight, which will be a professionally sanctioned eight-round bout. Stepnick incredulously questioned, “No. Oh no, are you crazy?” upon hearing the details of the match-up.
The match will be streamed live on Netflix, marking another high-profile event in Paul’s nascent boxing career. At 6ft 6in, Joshua poses a significantly different challenge compared to Paul’s previous opponents, amplifying the concerns about the fight’s risk.
When directly asked by Paul about her fears, Stepnick responded, “No… I’m terrified.” This sentiment reflects widespread unease within the boxing community, with many experts highlighting Joshua’s elite background, including Olympic gold credentials and experience with top-tier opponents.
Paul has only a few years of professional boxing experience, with his most notable heavyweight engagement being against a diminished Mike Tyson last year. Joshua, however, has not fought since a loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, yet his knockout power and extensive experience suggest he remains a formidable opponent.
Despite acknowledging Joshua’s accolades, Paul remarked on their contrasting paths, noting, “While he was winning Olympic gold, I was filming Vines in high school.” Financially, the bout is lucrative, with both fighters reportedly set to earn £70 million each, a staggering sum that likely influenced Paul’s decision to enter what he describes as “the lion’s den.”
The agreement for a broadcast deal with Netflix is expected to generate substantial global viewership for what is being considered Paul’s most dangerous career move to date. While the boxing community has voiced concerns regarding the mismatch in experience and power, the fight remains officially sanctioned.
As anticipation builds for the event, the boxing world continues to grapple with the implications of such high-stakes match-ups that merge celebrity culture with professional sport. The tension surrounding this fight emphasizes how the sport’s boundaries are evolving, integrating fame and fortune into its fabric, while genuine questions remain about competitive integrity and fighter safety.
