Promoter’s Skepticism on Joshua vs. Paul Fight
Promoter Frank Warren has voiced his skepticism regarding the upcoming bout between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, suggesting it resembles a “car crash” in its potential outcome. Scheduled for December 19 in Miami, Florida, this match represents Joshua’s first foray into a fight with Paul, a social media star turned boxer, who holds a record of 12 wins and just one loss. Meanwhile, Joshua’s professional stats stand at 28 wins and 4 defeats, with a remarkable 25 victories achieved by knockout.
Background and Anticipation
This fight was anticipated for some time, especially after earlier rumors sparked interest before Paul shifted his focus to a proposed showdown with lightweight champion Gervonta Davis, which ultimately did not come to fruition. With Joshua now stepping into the ring against Paul, Warren, promoter for heavyweight Tyson Fury, shared his thoughts on the dynamic matchup.
“It’s a monumental moment for Paul, and as the underdog, many believe the fight is a foregone conclusion,” he remarked during an interview with ESPN. “Despite the uncertainty surrounding how the fight will go, audiences will tune in, making it a significant event with impressive viewership numbers.”
Concerns Over Joshua’s Choice
Warren expressed disappointment at Joshua’s choice to fight Paul, implying that the heavyweight champion is opting for financial gains rather than facing tougher competition.
“It’s a safe option for Joshua, and I would prefer to see him fighting someone like Moses Itauma instead,” he stated.
Future Matchups and Negotiations
In light of this matchup, there remains hope for a highly awaited clash between Joshua and Fury next year. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, indicated last week that they are in discussions about making this high-profile fight happen, with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, working to facilitate negotiations. Alalshikh mentioned that Joshua is likely to have a bout in February, with an eye on Fury by 2026.
Hearn also hinted at the prospect of finalizing a deal with Fury, but Warren clarified that the ultimate decision lies with Fury himself.
“Tyson will choose his path based on his own desires and the financial implications involved in the fight. There are ongoing discussions, and whether or not he takes the offer depends entirely on what he wants,” Warren concluded, keeping the door open for this significant heavyweight showdown in the future.
