Jake Paul warned over big mistake in Anthony Joshua talks
A high profile boxing event scheduled for December 19 in Miami continues to generate questions long before the fighters touch gloves. What began as a storyline about size and safety has shifted into a discussion about whether Jake Paul accidentally gave Anthony Joshua a competitive advantage.
Shaping the matchup
Paul, a YouTuber who has worked to establish himself as a professional boxer, agreed to face Joshua in a bout that surprised even some within the sport. Joshua, a former two time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, normally weighs somewhere between 245 and 255 pounds for most of his contests.
To reduce the physical gap, Paul’s team introduced a 245 pound limit at the official weigh in. Importantly, the rule applies only to the previous day’s scale check, meaning Joshua can rehydrate as much as he chooses before fight night.
Weight clauses are rare among heavyweights, who traditionally enjoy wide freedom in how they prepare. The last time a major heavyweight was held to a limit before competition was several decades ago, usually for promotional or safety reasons rather than strategy.
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The decision, meant to make the contest appear more balanced, has instead drawn strong reactions from analysts who believe it may encourage Joshua to arrive lighter, faster and more conditioned.
Fitness concerns
On an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, UFC commentator Joe Rogan suggested that the weight restriction is unlikely to weaken Joshua. Rogan said Joshua could simply increase his conditioning work to hit the target, a change he believed would make the former champion more dangerous rather than drained.
According to Rogan, Joshua would have no difficulty cutting a few pounds and would probably welcome the opportunity to sharpen his conditioning. In past fights, Joshua has performed well when coming in leaner, including his 2017 win over Wladimir Klitschko, a bout in which his mobility played a major role.
Growing tension
Fight organizers confirmed that the bout is scheduled for eight three minute rounds, using 10 ounce gloves and regulated as a professional heavyweight contest. Despite the unusual matchup, Joshua has remained publicly calm, while Paul has framed the fight as his boldest challenge yet.
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Rogan however questioned whether Paul underestimated the seriousness of calling out a decorated heavyweight. He pointed out that Joshua’s punching power remains one of the most respected in the division, and that a single mistake could end the fight early.
Warnings from analysts
Rogan described the former champion as a specialist in delivering fight ending power, a trait that has defined Joshua’s career since his Olympic success in 2012. Analysts across boxing media have echoed similar concerns, noting that Paul, who has fought mostly cruiserweights and retired MMA fighters, has never faced a puncher of Joshua’s calibre.
Whether the weight clause ultimately helps Paul by narrowing the physical gap or fuels Joshua’s intensity remains to be seen. With a large Miami crowd expected and Netflix promoting the event heavily, the buildup is likely to intensify throughout the fall.
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