Former world champion and Sky Sports pundit Johnny Nelson has issued a blistering critique of Anthony Joshua's mental fortitude, just days before the British heavyweight's blockbuster fight against YouTube star Jake Paul in Miami.
A Fight That's 'About AJ'
Nelson, speaking on the second episode of boxing show The Hook, framed Friday's event as far more than a novelty spectacle or a lucrative payday. He believes the bout serves as a stark referendum on Joshua himself, a fighter he views as mentally fragile and lacking the hunger needed to return to the top of the sport.
"This isn't about Jake Paul. It's about AJ," Nelson stressed. He pointed to the immense global scrutiny, suggesting Joshua's primary opponent will be his own mindset. Nelson recalled repeated instances where the former two-time unified champion has appeared distracted or emotionally vulnerable under pressure.
The Lingering Shadow of Daniel Dubois
Central to Nelson's concern is Joshua's devastating loss to Daniel Dubois last year. Nelson described the performance as alarmingly poor, stating Joshua "performed like a novice" and was permanently scarred by the humiliation.
"AJ will never get over the embarrassment of that loss," Nelson said bluntly. He highlighted Joshua smiling after being hurt by Dubois as a moment of concerning disorientation. "He was smiling at the time but his legs were gone. He can't have a mentality like that."
Nelson argued the only path to closure would have been an immediate demand for a rematch, something he feels Joshua failed to do.
A Call for Ruthless Domination Against Paul
When it comes to dealing with Jake Paul, whom Nelson labelled a "pest," his advice to Joshua was unequivocally brutal. He urged a strategy of prolonged psychological and physical torment.
"My advice to AJ would be to torment him," Nelson said. "You've got to take him to a place he's never been before and make him never want to go back there." He advocated for a drawn-out display of dominance: "hit him, hurt him, don't finish him," to break Paul round by round.
Nelson warned that any show of complacency or respect could be dangerous. "If Jake Paul has 30 seconds of success, AJ is going to get criticised. If he lands one shot, AJ is going to get criticised."
Questions Over Hunger and Legacy
Beyond one fight, Nelson seriously doubts Joshua's desire to reclaim a world title. He suggested the Olympic gold medallist now operates more like a mercenary than a legacy-driven champion.
"He's been out of the ring far too long to tell me he's hungry enough to want it," Nelson stated. He contrasted Joshua with the "young guns" of the division who possess a ravenous appetite Joshua may have lost. "Do I think he really believes he can be world champion again? No, I don't."
For Nelson, Friday night in Miami is a critical test of character. With the ghost of Dubois looming and his future credibility on the line, Joshua must deliver a spiteful, focused performance to prove his critics wrong and reassert his class.
