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Anthony Joshua to face Jake Paul in December bout, sparking debate over legacy
British heavyweight Anthony Joshua will step into the ring against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul on 19 December in Miami, a matchup that has divided opinions in the boxing world. The eight-round professional bout, sanctioned with three-minute rounds, marks Paul's first encounter with an active, elite-level champion-yet raises questions about Joshua's career trajectory.
The fight's stakes and Joshua's motivations
At 36, Joshua has lost three of his last seven fights, with his most recent defeat coming over a year ago against Daniel Dubois. Despite this, he remains focused on securing high-profile heavyweight clashes, including a potential 2026 showdown with Tyson Fury, as his promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted. Meanwhile, Joshua has explored collaborations with Oleksandr Usyk's training team, following two prior losses to the Ukrainian champion in 2021 and 2022.
Critics argue that facing Paul-a fighter whose previous opponents include a 58-year-old Mike Tyson and fellow influencers-could undermine Joshua's standing in the sport. Yet the financial upside is undeniable. The Netflix-streamed event is expected to earn Joshua tens of millions, mirroring Paul's reported £31 million purse from his Tyson bout, which drew 108 million viewers.
Mixed reactions from boxing insiders
Former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla called the matchup "insane" and "a bit of a circus," warning of potential backlash if Paul suffers serious injury. "Anybody who knows boxing can't allow this to be built up like it's a serious fight," Crolla said, though he admitted he'd likely watch out of curiosity.
David Price, a 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, dismissed concerns about legacy damage, citing historical precedents: "George Foreman and Muhammad Ali fought fad events and journeymen, and nobody talks about that anymore." Price also noted the heavyweight division's current stagnation, suggesting Joshua's decision is pragmatic: "If he's going to drop his level, why not do it against someone who'll pay him a massive fee for a knockout?"
"People are going to tune in because they want to see Paul get splattered. I can't blame Joshua."
David Price
Influencer boxing's impact on the sport
The rise of influencer bouts-sparked by KSI vs. Joe Weller in 2018-has polarized boxing traditionalists. While some, like Crolla, credit Paul for boosting visibility, particularly for women's boxing, others see it as eroding the sport's integrity. "It does make a mockery of boxing," Price conceded, referencing recent novelty fights like Rod Stewart's son being knocked out.
Yet the financial allure persists. Saudi Arabia's growing influence in boxing, coupled with the difficulty of arranging elite-level fights, has created a vacuum where influencer clashes thrive. "Views matter," Price acknowledged, signaling a generational shift in fan engagement-even if it comes at the expense of boxing's heritage.
What's next for Joshua?
Beyond the Paul fight, Joshua's team continues negotiations for a Tyson Fury bout in 2026. Meanwhile, the December showdown-broadcast on Netflix-will test whether Joshua's legacy can withstand the crossover spectacle or if it risks being overshadowed by the spectacle itself.
