Joshua shuts down claims of foul play ahead of Paul megafight
Anthony Joshua insists there is nothing in his contract which suggests he has to 'take it easy' on Jake Paul when the pair meet on December 19th.
Former two-time Heavyweight world champion Joshua, 36, shocked the world when announcing he would be social media star Paul's next opponent after the latter's proposed fight with Gervonta Davis fell through last month.
Paul has been boxing as a professional since January 2020 and has a 12-1 record, with his sole loss coming to Tommy Fury on points in February 2023.
However, the American – who calls himself 'The Problem Child' – has frequently been criticised for padding his resume with hand-picked fights against either mixed martial arts stars of the past or long-retired boxers, including 59-year-old Mike Tyson.
Since the bout with Joshua was first announced, many have speculated that the lucrative agreement between the fighters (Joshua is said to be earning as much as £70million) may have clauses inserted which involve ensuring the fight goes beyond a certain number of rounds.
Joshua, however, has been quick to dismiss such claims.
Speaking to TMZ Sports [via Boxing News Online], Joshua said: "I understand people's concerns, but this is the thing with Jake, they have got to start believing in him.
"They don’t believe it because they’re saying, ‘how is he beating these guys?’.
"I think they [the fans] can’t get their heads around how he has beaten Anderson Silva, how did he beat Nate Diaz? How did he beat Mike Tyson?
"I am telling you, there is no stipulation in the contract where I have to take it easy on him.”
UK bookmakers are confident that Joshua will get the job done in Miami, with William Hill making him no bigger than a 1/9 favourite for victory.
Paul is a best-priced 19/2 chance for a stunning upset via betting exchange Matchbook, while a draw is 33/1 (Sporting Index).
Yet bookies are not as convinced about the much-touted round one knockout coming to fruition, with most going just under 3/1 on the Brit to end things at the first opportunity.
Joshua to win on points is priced no bigger than 9/2 (Bet365), perhaps largely due to the bout being only eight rounds. Standard 10oz gloves will be in use, so Joshua's power should be on full display.
British heavyweight Dave Allen pulled no punches with his assessment of the contest, labelling it 'dangerous' and criticising those who have sanctioned the bout.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Allen said: "I've got nothing against Jake Paul. He's having a go, fair play. He could probably even win an area title.
"But look at this as an actual sanctioned fight. One, it's dangerous. He's not even a natural heavyweight. He's barely a cruiserweight.
"If Anthony Joshua hits him on the chin, he will put him to sleep. He will hurt him. And he will really hurt him. Because Mike Tyson, all these MMA fighters, they were shot to bits. If Joshua hits him, he will get the shock of his f**king life.
"So he's not big enough. Secondly, he's not good enough. It's actually dangerous."
Allen also admitted that he would understand if Joshua did opt to beat Paul without delivering a devastating knockout but suggested his reputation would suffer badly in such circumstances.
He continued: "To be fair, Joshua might brush him, he might go down and get up on the count of 10 and everyone's happy. Everyone walks away and makes loads of money.
"But what happens if Joshua hits him and really hurts him? Then what happens? What happens to the people who sanctioned the fight? What happens to everyone involved?
"I hope he puts him over in round one, Jake gets up at 10, nothing major happens and we can all move on. I really hope so.
"I'll watch it like I would watch something at the circus, like watching something because it's a bit mad. But if Anthony Joshua doesn't stop him quickly with force, or goes more than two or three rounds, that's his reputation with the public gone."
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
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