Jake Paul has never lacked confidence. But ahead of Friday night’s Netflix-headlined showdown against Anthony Joshua, the outspoken influencer-turned-boxer is making some of the boldest claims of his career and insists he can cash every check he’s written.
Paul enters the heavyweight clash as a +700 underdog, while Joshua, a former two-time unified world champion, is expected by most observers to win handily. Paul sees something different.
“Having Anthony Joshua as an opponent, I think it’s a winnable fight for me,” Paul said on MVP Uncut. “He’s very tall, but that means I can use my speed and my size to my advantage.”
The 27-year-old believes Joshua’s past struggles against smaller, faster fighters such as Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019 and Daniel Dubois in September give him a blueprint.
Paul on Joshua: “He’s a Bit Chinny… But Dangerous When Hurt”
Paul isn’t shy about critiquing Joshua’s vulnerabilities. “When you look at it, he’s lost to guys smaller than him. His kryptonite is faster guys who don’t get hit by big punches.
He’s definitely a bit chinny. He’s durable gets back up but I do see holes where I can land big shots.” Paul (12-1, 7 KOs), who has primarily faced MMA fighters and aging boxers, is banking on catching Joshua clean a feat Wladimir Klitschko, Ruiz, and Dubois have each accomplished.
Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) has gone 6-4 in his last 10 fights, a run highlighted by knockout losses to Ruiz and Dubois and two decision defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Still, Paul respects the mountain he’s trying to climb. “He’s an amazing fighter and one of the best heavyweights ever. But with speed, footwork, and rhythm, I don’t think he can handle that. He’s a little stiff and relies on his power. If you get hit clean, you’re cooked but I believe I can float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.”
Manifestation, “Delusional Optimism,” and a Surreal Rise
Paul reflected on the unlikely path that brought him from YouTube sensation to headlining a global boxing event opposite one of the era’s most accomplished heavyweights. “I didn’t think it would get this big, this fast… this is definitely surreal,” Paul said, “I always said this is where I would be. I manifested it through delusional optimism.”
Paul believes that defeating Joshua would not only validate his self-belief it would catapult him into true boxing legitimacy. “I’m only going to get better in the next couple years and continue to do massive fights and challenge myself.”
With fight night approaching, one question looms: Is Jake Paul delusional or dangerous? On Friday in Miami, Anthony Joshua will get the chance to decide.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
