Source: Radio New Zealand
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua square off before their Miami showdown. Leonardo Fernandez
YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul faces the biggest test of his fledgling boxing career, when he takes on former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Florida on Saturday (NZT).
Kiwi boxing promoter Dean Lonergan expects it’s a test Paul will fail – badly.
“Jake Paul is going to get absolutely bashed and I think a lot of people are looking forward to it.” Lonergan told Nathan Rarere on RNZ’s First Up.
The vast majority of pundits agree with Lonergan’s blunt assessment.
As well as being a two-time heavyweight world champion, Joshua won Olympic gold at London in 2012. He’s had 28 professional fights, with four losses – two against Oleksander Usyk, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
By contrast, Paul’s compiled a 12-win, one-loss record, largely against retired NBA players, fellow YouTubers, and former UFC fighters. His one loss came against Tommy Fury, who’s better known for appearing on Love Island and being Tyson Fury’s younger brother, than his boxing skills.
Paul’s only had one fight at heavyweight – a points win over a 58-year-old Mike Tyson. That bout was contested over two-minute rounds, rather than the standard three, and with 14-ounce gloves.
At 36, Joshua is far from washed up. The fight with Paul is scheduled for eight rounds, each three minutes long. The fighters will wear standard 10-ounce gloves.
The lighter weight will allow punches to do more damage.
The tale of the tape also makes tough reading for Paul. Joshua stands 12.5cm taller and has a 15cm longer reach.
Even with a 111.3kg weight limit imposed on him for this fight, Joshua will significantly outweigh Paul.
Lonergan said Paul may still believe he could win.
“He’s delusional,” he said. “Fighters have to have the ultimate confidence, because there’s only two things you do in a boxing ring – you either hit or you get hit, you either hurt or you get hurt.
“Jake Paul’s had a series of easy fights to build his delusion and build his confidence, and he thinks he can get in the ring with one of the modern greats.”
No matter the result, both fighters will be handsomely rewarded, reportedly earning NZ$159 million each.
Lonergan reckons Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn have played an absolute blinder, securing a massive payday for an easy night’s work.
“It’s going to go no more than 1-2 rounds,” he said. “Jake Paul’s going to get knocked out.
“If you’re Anthony Joshua, this is just pennies from heaven.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
