Controversial internet personality Andrew Tate has claimed he played a pivotal role in orchestrating the upcoming heavyweight boxing clash between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua.
Tate's Bold Claim of Influence
In a recent interview, Tate stated he believes his own decision to fight a larger, younger opponent directly inspired Paul to call out the former two-time world champion. The social media influencer, who faces criminal charges including rape in the UK, suggested Paul felt pressured to step up after seeing Tate take on a genuine challenge.
"Jake is doing the brave thing," Tate told Boxing King Media. "I took this fight against a guy who is bigger than me, younger than me, taller than me, more active than me. And a lot of that was to clown on Jake. A lot of that was to say you are fighting old men and people who are too small."
He added: "And then he instantly decides to fight Anthony Joshua. So, maybe he read my mind. Maybe I kind of forced him into it."
The High-Stakes Miami Showdown
Jake Paul is set for his toughest professional test yet against Anthony Joshua this Friday, December 19, in Miami, Florida. The YouTuber-turned-boxer, 28, last fought in June 2025, securing a decision win over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Paul's career has largely been built on victories over ageing MMA legends, though he notably went the distance with Mike Tyson in November 2024. A planned fight with Gervonta Davis was cancelled last month after Davis faced serious criminal allegations.
Following that cancellation, Paul was criticised for calling out a fighter 70lb lighter than himself. In response, he publicly challenged heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou for a December bout.
Credit Given and a Weekend of Fights
Despite his claims of influence, Tate did offer Paul credit for accepting such a dangerous fight. "However, fair play to him. I have nothing bad to say about the guy," Tate said. "He is a good guy. I hope he gets out there healthy. Same with AJ. Huge credit and full respect for him taking it, but I think I may have had something to do with that."
The Paul vs Joshua fight will stream live on Netflix, available for free to Sky customers with an Essential TV bundle. The high-profile clash comes just one day before Tate's own boxing debut with Misfits Boxing in Dubai, where he will face reigning heavyweight champion Chase DeMoor.
