Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: YouTuber makes British heavyweight a boxing offer he simply could not refuse, says Steve Bunce
Boxing pundit Steve Bunce says Anthony Joshua has been given “an offer he couldn’t refuse” to fight Jake Paul.
Former two-time unified heavyweight champion Joshua of Britain will face YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul on December 19 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
The fight will consist of eight three-minute rounds and both fighters will wear legal 10-ounce gloves.
Joshua, 36, has weighed more than 250lbs in his previous three fights but must stay under 245lbs for the bout.
Bunce said the fight was “ridiculous” and that 28-year-old American Paul was nothing more than a “newbie”, but added he could understand Joshua’s financial appeal. reportedly, external It’s set to make £36.9 million ($50 million).
“Last November, Jake Paul fought Mike Tyson and almost destroyed the world,” Bunce told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“There was something ridiculous like 300 million people watching on different channels, and they were getting some payment in dollars for that.
“And that’s why this fight happened, let’s get it right. AJ was made an offer he couldn’t refuse and he accepted.
“I would not deny a pound, a penny, a penny, a dime, a single man or woman who professionally boxes the money for any fight.
“If AJ is paid as well as we’re told, remember he does a lot of work for the community through his foundation, if he spreads that love around and definitely lines his pockets, I’m fine with that.”
Bunce said Joshua was “still in talks” about fighting Briton Tyson Fury and that the fight against Paul would be “one of the final paydays” for the fighter despite an obvious mismatch.
“AJ will be at least six inches taller and maybe four stone heavier. Don’t forget he’s an Olympic champion; we’re ignoring that fact,” Bunce explained.
“Jake Paul is a great rookie. He’s a huge rookie in the weight division down there – cruiserweight – and that’s what it is: a rookie. But he’s a rookie who thinks about these ridiculous fights.”
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions and Paul’s manager, said she had no concerns about the fight on safety grounds.
“I don’t think it was reckless in any way, shape or form,” he told BBC Sport.
“Jake is in a much better position than a lot of the fights that happen regularly in boxing, I think he has a great shot opportunity.
“AJ is big, strong, but slower. More vulnerable to Jake’s moves. In my opinion, this is more sanctioned than most fights in the sport of boxing.”
