After months of speculation over whether it would actually happen, crossover boxing star Jake Paul is now just hours away from stepping into the ring with Olympic gold medallist and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Paul, now 13 fights into his professional career, tipped the scales at 216lbs, while Joshua was contractually restricted to a maximum of 245lbs and came in at 243lbs.
Even so, the American still faces a daunting task. Over eight rounds at heavyweight, Paul must overcome a 27lb weight disadvantage, a five-inch height gap and a six-inch reach deficit — all before accounting for the vast gulf in experience and pedigree.
With the opening bell fast approaching, opinion is overwhelmingly one-sided. Joshua is widely expected to win, and to do so quickly and conclusively.
But how is the bout viewed by those within the sport itself? Boxing News canvassed opinion from across the industry, speaking to a leading trainer, a reigning world champion and two former titleholders to get their verdicts.
Alex Arthur (former WBO super-featherweight champion):
“I think it’s embarrassing for boxing, and if AJ doesn’t pole-axe him in a round, something is very fishy. This is a former Olympic and world heavyweight champion against a man who was in the film Dance Camp in 2016. Say no more.”
Adam Booth (leading trainer):
“It’s a boxing-based event. You can’t criticise Jake Paul for creating the fulfilment of his own dream — to fight a recent world heavyweight champion. It’s not a sporting event in the true sense. If AJ wants to make incredible money taking part, he’s certainly earned the right to do so. Live and let live.”
Leigh Wood (former WBA featherweight champion):
“Boxing is becoming a popularity contest. No other sport governs how much you get paid by how many numbers you attract, or what audience is watching you, or how many followers you have.
“Fighters coming through, wanting to progress, have got to equip themselves with social media, marketing themselves, and they need to be clearing up and boosting their own profile, which is going to be just as important.
“Back in the day, it was make sure you can fight first and foremost, but now it’s just as important to build your profile on the way. That’s how times are changing, so you’ve got to equip yourself with both, and that’s how the sport’s changing.”
Abass Baraou (WBA super-welterweight champion):
“I think the whole Jake Paul thing brings good attention to boxing. Also, you gotta give him credit for his work ethic. Also, big credit for Joshua making this fight happen. It makes a huge event for boxing as well. And of course, it’s not on the level of a real competitive fight, but I see it as a good advert for boxing and a good crossover.”
