Unified heavyweight world champion Oleksandr Usyk has delivered a scathing verdict on the upcoming professional bout between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, predicting a swift and brutal conclusion.
Usyk's Blunt Prediction and Weight Disparity
Speaking to ufcpod, the undefeated Usyk, who holds a perfect 24-0 record, dismissed the contest as a mere spectacle for money. "This is just a lot of money, just a show. This is not interesting sport," he stated, highlighting the vast gulf in pedigree between Olympic champion Joshua and YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.
Usyk, who twice defeated Joshua over 12 rounds in 2021 and 2022, pointed to scars on his own forehand as evidence of Joshua's power. Mimicking a jab, he predicted a one-round finish: "In my opinion, it's [finished after] one round... Look, that's from his jab... Boom!"
The official weigh-in ahead of the eight-round fight in Miami underscored the physical mismatch. Anthony Joshua tipped the scales at 17st 5lbs (243lbs), while Jake Paul came in at 15st 6lbs (216lbs). This gives the former two-time heavyweight champion a hefty 26.8lbs (nearly two stone) weight advantage over his less experienced rival.
Fighters' Mind Games and Backlash
The bout, scheduled for Friday 19 December 2025, has faced significant criticism within the boxing world, given Paul's 13-fight career has been built against former UFC stars and ageing boxers. Joshua, however, has insisted it is a legitimate contest.
"I'm a serious, serious fighter," Joshua told Netflix. "I'm going to outclass this kid... I want them to pray for my opponent because he's going to need it."
After a tense face-off at the weigh-in, where the pair raised fists, Joshua downplayed the confrontation, claiming there was "mutual respect" and that he only told Paul, "Don't touch me." Paul offered a different perspective, claiming he sensed fear. "I see something in his eyes, I truly do," Paul said. "The pressure is on him. I'm fighting free, I've already won."
A Clash of Credibility
The event represents a stark clash between traditional boxing legitimacy and the new era of influencer-led combat sports. Usyk's comments crystallise the view of purists who see it as a mismatch lacking sporting integrity. Whether Paul can defy his critics and Usyk's prediction, or if Joshua will deliver the emphatic knockout many expect, will be revealed in the ring.
