Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has been issued a stark warning by fellow boxing star Katie Taylor ahead of his controversial showdown with YouTube sensation Jake Paul, with the Irish fighter suggesting the bout could be 'terrible for boxing' if one specific scenario unfolds.
The High-Stakes Miami Showdown
Joshua, who has been out of action since a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, is scheduled for a dramatic return to the ring. He will face the social media star-turned-boxer in a professional fight on Friday, December 19, in Miami. The contest is set for eight three-minute rounds, with both men wearing 10oz gloves, and is reported to be worth a staggering £70 million to each fighter.
Taylor, who has worked closely with Paul's promotional team in recent times, expressed her disbelief at the match-up but acknowledged its power to draw new audiences. "I can’t believe that fight is happening," she told Fight Hub TV. "Jake Paul goes from fighting Gervonta Davis to Anthony Joshua. It’s crazy." She credited Paul's entertainment background as a legitimate asset in the modern boxing business.
Taylor's Clear Warning for AJ
While Taylor predicts a Joshua victory, she pinpointed a significant risk. "This is a risky fight for both, but I would be surprised if Jake Paul didn't get knocked out," she stated. "Joshua is a huge puncher and a genuine heavyweight. If he gets caught with a shot it’s terrible for boxing, terrible for Joshua."
Her warning underscores the immense pressure on the 36-year-old Brit to not only win but to dominate. A loss or even a shaky performance against a crossover star with a limited traditional boxing background could, in her view, harm the sport's credibility.
Joshua's Vow to Make a Statement
Joshua appears fully aware of the expectations, vowing to leave no room for doubt. He has insisted that a simple points win will not be enough. "It's not a win for me if I just beat him; I need to knock him out," Joshua declared. "I'm going to break his face and break his body... I want to hurt him, I'm going to want to really hurt him in the ring."
He promised to bring a level of skill that Paul has not yet encountered. "I’m going to come forward and impose myself. I’m going to land heavy punches and expose him to certain tricks in boxing that he maybe hasn’t seen yet."
The event will be streamed live on Netflix, with UK fans able to watch from around 4am GMT following the expected 11pm local Miami walkout time. Despite the criticism, Taylor concluded by respecting Paul's daring move: "I have to give respect to Jake Paul for taking the fight... it brings more eyes on boxing."
