Joshua vs Paul - The easiest decision of Joshua's career

Anthony Joshua  could be about to enjoy his easiest night’s work for perhaps the largest purse of his illustrious career. 

After it was confirmed he will fight Jake Paul on December 19, Joshua, a man who has faced Wladimir Klitschko and Oleksandr Usyk, will now headline a show in Miami against an ambitious cruiserweight who was once outpointed by Tommy Fury. Paul should be commended for taking this real fight but the gulf in experience between the two men is almost as big as Paul's heart.

The Watford man must be pinching himself and whoever has negotiated this deal for him deserves a grand Xmas bonus. 

For the best part of the last decade, Joshua has been surrounded by killers at every turn with the likes of Tyson Fury, Dillian Whyte, Deontay Wilder, and Usyk, all vying for a shot at the 2012 Olympic gold medallist. 

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His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has constantly heaped praise on Joshua’s credentials, citing his impressive ledger as proof that he will take on all comers. Now, his next opponent is a novice who's last two opponents have been a 58-year-old former champion and an inactive middleweight who had not secured a significant win since 2021. 

For Joshua, this is probably a career high payday for something that should go no longer than 90 seconds. 

This prediction is not to discredit Jake Paul and what he has achieved in such a short space of time inside a boxing ring. 

Despite his lack of experience, his ambition and courage are as big as anyone’s in the sport and he came close to landing a showdown with Canelo Alvarez earlier this year which proves that the belief he possesses is far more impressive than any other attribute. 

Joshua legacy already affirmed 

Unfortunately for Paul, the idea that you can do anything when you put your mind to it is often more appropriate when you're not being opposed by a man who is stronger, quicker, more powerful, and more experienced. Joshua knows only the highest level in boxing where Jake Paul is still accustoming himself on the ground floor.

In the weeks leading up to this fight, many opinions are going to centre on this fight with perhaps some strong voices even pushing for the fight not to be given the go ahead. Jake Paul has little chance of victory, and the odds he even makes it out of the opening round are not much better, but intrigue, profile, and more importantly, finance, indicate that this contest will be a roaring success at the box office, but what are the motivations for both men at this stage? 

For Joshua, it must surely be money, a point his promoter has emphasised. Jake Paul on his record will not enhance it, but this is a lot of loot for the most routine fight of his career as well as a significant boost for his profile in America. The last time Joshua fought there he was destroyed by Andy Ruiz meaning his only venture Stateside saw him humiliated on what was meant to be his coming out party. 

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

If 2026 is meant to be the year he finally faces Tyson Fury, then that fight could become a global event if Joshua can match his countryman and score a win in America in a bout that will have millions of eyes on it. 

For Paul, I see nothing but a painful night, one he will be well compensated for, but surely more attractive and winnable fights could have been made for ‘The Problem Child?’ Is this his way of cashing out at the very top? Or does he genuinely believe that he can beat one of the most devastating punchers in boxing today? Paul has long spoken about being a world champion in boxing. This could be his moment to find out how good he really is. Or what he needs to work on moving forward. Whatever it is getting him out of bed, regardless of the result, nobody in boxing can ever accuse him of taking the easy way out in the future.

The build-up to this fight is going to see both men endure plenty of tough questions and ridicule from boxing traditionalists. Once the fight is done, the pounds and dollars will be counted, and neither man will truly care. They have not cared before. Why would they start now? 

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