After months of speculation about whether it would actually happen, crossover boxing star Jake Paul is now just hours away from stepping into the ring with Olympic gold medalist and former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
Paul, now 13 fights into his professional career, tipped the scales at 216 pounds, while Joshua was contractually limited to a maximum of 245 pounds and weighed in at 243 pounds.
Despite this, the American remains faced with an arduous task. In eight rounds at heavyweight, Paul must overcome a 27-pound weight disadvantage, a five-inch height gap and a six-inch reach deficit – all before factoring in the vast gulf of experience and pedigree.
As the opening bell fast approaches, opinion is mostly one-sided. Joshua is widely expected to win, and to do so quickly and conclusively.
But how is combat perceived by those involved in the sport itself? Boxing News canvassed opinions from across the industry, speaking to a leading trainer, a reigning world champion and two former titleholders to get their verdict.
Alex Arthur (former WBO super featherweight champion):
“I think it’s embarrassing for boxing, and if AJ doesn’t pole vault him in one round, something is very wrong. This is a former Olympic and world heavyweight champion against a man who was in the movie Dance Camp in 2016. Say no more.”
Adam Booth (head coach):
“It’s a boxing-based event. You can’t criticize Jake Paul for fulfilling his own dream: fighting a recent heavyweight champion of the world. It’s not a sporting event in the true sense of the word. If AJ wants to make a lot of money participating in it, 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 determines how much you get paid based on the number of numbers you attract, the audience that watches you or the number of followers you have.
“Fighters who want to progress need to equip themselves with social media, market themselves, and they need to clarify and strengthen their own profile, which will be just as important.
“Back then it was all about being able to fight, but now it’s just as important to build your profile along the way. That’s how times change, so you have to equip yourself with both, and that’s how the sport evolves.”
Abass Baraou (WBA super welterweight champion):
“I think the whole Jake Paul story brings a lot of attention to boxing. Plus, you have to give him credit for his work ethic. Also, big credit to Joshua for making this fight happen. It’s also a huge event for boxing. And of course, it’s not on the level of a real competitive fight, but I see it as good publicity for boxing and a good crossover.”
