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The war of words has been steadily escalating. Now it's almost time for war to be waged in the ring. Heavyweights Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua will have their official weigh-in Thursday night in Miami, the site of their highly anticipated eight-round bout on Friday. Joshua is expected to have close to a 25-pound weight advantage, in addition to being five inches taller.
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He has called out the likes of Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, while at the same time picking opponents ranging from retired MMA fighters and faded ex-champions to reality TV personalities and even a grandfather.
Joshua enters as the clear favorite to defeat Paul. Among the most backed options by sportsbooks is a knockout or technical knockout victory, with odds of -475. The British boxer has recently showcased his power, winning three of his last four fights by stoppage, including a second-round knockout of Francis Ngannou in March 2024.
Heading into this matchup, Joshua will need to make up for the physical difference, as he gives up 12.7 centimeters in height and 15.2 centimeters in reach. Even so, everything will be decided on Friday in the ring.
Who is Jake Paul?
Jake Paul became a well-known figure before his boxing career thanks to social media. He started on Vine, but his popularity skyrocketed on YouTube with humorous content about his daily life. In January 2020, he shifted his path by making his professional boxing debut, defeating British YouTuber AnEsonGib via first-round technical knockout. Since then, he has fought other celebrities, generating massive media attention, including one of his biggest challenges: facing Mike Tyson.
Who is Anthony Joshua?
Anthony Joshua is a British heavyweight boxer known for his power, discipline, and technical style inside the ring. Born in Watford, he built a reputation from a young age thanks to his dedication and natural athletic talent. His rise to fame began after winning the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games, a milestone that marked the start of an outstanding professional career.
Joshua has been a unified world champion and has faced some of the toughest opponents of his generation. Beyond his athletic abilities, he is known for his media presence and meticulous training, making him one of the most influential figures in modern boxing
But on Friday in Miami, that sideshow collides with boxing's top tier as Paul faces two-time heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua.
Some give Paul, the Disney-actor-turned-YouTuber-turned-boxer, credit for daring. Others question his sanity. Almost nobody gives him a chance.
"I worry about Jake's health," trainer Joe Gallagher tells BBC Sport.
Former world champion and Team GB coach Richie Woodhall says Joshua is the "hardest puncher" he has ever had on the pads.
Liverpool's two-division champion Natasha Jonas calls the whole event simply "wild".
That tension with boxing's old guard irritates Paul. In fight week, he bristled at the mention of criticism, describing detractors as a "peanut gallery that doesn't exist" and insisting the question of whether he belongs no longer concerns him.
On paper, Paul-Joshua is the biggest mismatch to headline a boxing event.
Yet inside Paul's camp, the tone is very different. There is a belief the 28-year-old has improved far more than the public realise.
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