Rumors of a December fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul divide the scene – a sporting test or just a million-dollar spectacle?
Jake Paul polarizes like no other in boxing – and now rumours are circulating about a spectacular fight against Anthony Joshua in December. Nothing has been officially confirmed, but industry insiders are reporting talks between the two camps. Observers suspect that it could just as well be a clever PR maneuver to promote other fights.
Paul has developed into a solid cruiserweight in recent years. With victories over Journeymen and several former stars, he has proven that he is significantly better than many others at the limit – but a duel against a top heavyweight like Joshua would be a completely different dimension in sporting terms.
Joshua’s trainer Ben Davison warns against the fight: a 1.98-metre, 113-pound athlete with almost 20 years of experience against a 1.85-metre, 91-pound boxer who has only been training for seven years is simply “unsafe”. Promoter Eddie Hearn also admits that it would primarily be a spectacle – but one that would “probably break the internet” and could bring in millions for both fighters.
Critics fear for the integrity of the sport, fans sense a mega-event. It remains to be seen whether the duel will become a reality or just a PR stunt – the only certainty is that the discussion alone will generate plenty of headlines.
Text by Robin Josten