Fiat vs Rolls-Royce? Oleksandr Usyk makes car comparisons with Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua bout

Anthony Joshua is a "Rolls-Royce" next to Jake Paul, with Oleksandr Usyk suggesting that the American is "a Fiat" when stacked against his old foe.

'The Problem Child' is the comeback opponent for the Briton, who ends a fifteen-month wait to return to the ring against him in Miami on December 19.

The bout between former YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul and two-time heavyweight champion Joshua has caught the imagination of fighters and fans.

But former undisputed champion Usyk suggested to Boxing King Media that the major mismatch baffles him, stating he cannot see how the two compare.

"Anthony is a Rolls-Royce. Jake Paul is a Fiat,” he said. "A Rolls-Royce cannot have any kind of competition against a Fiat. It doesn't make any sense."

Joshua has not fought since an IBF title loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024 due to injury, while Usyk most recently defeated the latter back in July.

That result saw the Ukrainian regain all four belts under his mantle, though he surrendered the WBO title last month to Fabio Wardley rather than face him.

Since a blockbuster duology in 2021 and 2022, Joshua and Usyk have grown close, with the former training alongside the latter's team in Spain this year.

Ahead of a busy 2026 where the Briton is expected to target a bout with the retired Tyson Fury, the Ukrainian believes he can find new ways to help his old rival.

"Anthony and I are friends now,” he added. “I like Anthony. He's smart, and has a very big heart. If I can help my opponents, I will. We're not giving him my style.

"My team does not have only one [coaching] lane of Usyk, Usyk, Usyk. We have different styles. We are giving him new tools that are going to help Anthony grow.”

Old foes-turned-friends prepare for busy 2026

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

We've come a long way from Anthony Joshua's outburst at the close of his second bout with Oleksandr Usyk, where the Briton's emotions got the best of him.

The pair have spoken warmly of each other since, and were spotted ringside in February for Joseph Parker's win over Martin Bakole, complete with meme-worthy reactions.

Now, with Joshua having trained alongside Usyk's team as he prepares for his comeback, both men will hope they can push on for a successful 2026 in different ways.

The former is widely expected to beat Jake Paul, but the manner of his victory will likely play into whether a February tune-up follows as he chases after Tyson Fury.

The latter, meanwhile, appears set to pursue Deontay Wilder as his next opponent, having passed on the opportunity to defend the undisputed title against Fabio Wardley.

Usyk isn't intending to stay one belt short for long, however, and will likely pursue the WBO crown again - but which man holds the key then will be fascinating to see.

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