Paul vs Joshua - Expert makes incredible Rocky Balboa comparison that could be bad news for Joshua

Anthony Joshua is coming across as ‘arrogant’ in the build-up to his fascinating encounter with Jake Paul this Friday. 

That’s the opinion of Darren Stanton, an expert in body language, who has been observing both fighters ahead of this weekend’s clash. 

Joshua is welcoming Paul to heavyweight as he looks to make a big statement before targeting fights against the likes of Tyson Fury and Daniel Dubois in 2026. 

Joshua had been set to take part in an eight-round bout to work with his new team, the group behind Oleksandr Usyk’s success, but he will instead face Paul. 

Due to his advantages in size and experience, Joshua probably does feel the need to believe this fight is there to be won emphatically, but the British man has been a huge favourite on multiple occasions, and he is aware of how serious boxing is.    

Stanton’s analysis of Joshua is concerning, and he has even compared the imminent fight to the movie bout between Rocky Balboa and Clubber Land in the Rocky franchise’s third instalment. 

“Anthony Joshua is laid back. He's lying back almost, but he’s acting, with his posture, that this fight against Jake Paul will be nothing for him. He’s coming across as quite arrogant, which isn’t like him, making bold statements about taking his soul,” said Stanton when speaking to OLBG . 

“Jake Paul comes across as very bravado. Sometimes the person who comes with the most confidence is not the person who's going to win the fight. 

“It reminds me of Rocky III, when Sylvester Stallone thought it would be a walk in the park, and then he got battered. 

“Jake Paul is really a quietly confident man, whereas Joshua is coming over a little bit cocky. It's going to be an interesting fight, really. 

“Joshua is acting like he's already won with his overconfident posture and body language, if I'm honest. Paul’s body language is super humble and not antagonistic.”

Sign up to DAZN Ultimate Tier to get PPV's included in your subscription 

Subscribe to DAZN's new Ultimate Tier to get a minimum of 12 PPV events included per year, including The Ring V and Lopez vs. Stevenson, on top of another 185 fight nights. Plus Serie A football, watch on multiple devices, and many more extra benefits.

Sign up for £22.99 in the UK / $44.99 in the U.S. More details here .