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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Donald McRae

Money lured Anthony Joshua to circus fight but he could really hurt Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua (right) throws a punch at Daniel Dubois during their IBF world heavyweight title fight in Sepember 2024.
Anthony Joshua (right) has not fought since he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Action Images/Reuters

The unsurprising confirmation of “a colossal global showdown” between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua arrived on Monday morning with a dull thud. That grand description of an eight-round scrap between a former YouTuber and a former world heavyweight champion was supplied by Paul’s company, Most Valuable Promotions, which also announced that the contest will be screened live on Netflix on 19 December and called Judgment Day.

Boxing operates in a netherworld that appears to have sunk far beyond any fear of judgment, while Paul has always had delusions of grandeur as a novice pro. But even boxing may have to consider its own culpability should Paul be badly hurt and end up in hospital after this fully sanctioned bout with regulation 10oz gloves is held in Miami.

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