British boxing legend ‘fears for Jake Paul’s life’ ahead of Anthony Joshua fight

The YouTuber and the former heavyweight champion are set to meet next month.

18+ Be Gamble Aware

News of the big money clash was first reported on by US outlet Ring Magazine, and has sent the boxing world into frenzy.

While Paul has begun to build a reputation for himself after a number of successful bouts, including a recent win over Mike Tyson, the Joshua fight would be by far the biggest moment of his boxing career.

The situation is vastly different for Joshua.

The 36-year-old was once viewed as one of the best boxing talents in the world, but after losing his belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021, and a shock defeat to Daniel Dubois 14-months ago, Joshua has significantly fallen from grace.

Regardless of Paul's status, the fight is expected to be of monumental scale in terms of finances.

Initial reports suggest streaming broadcaster Netflix will put up close to £100 million.

However, due to the gulf in top-level boxing experience between the pair, some have suggested Jake Paul could be in real danger when he enters the ring with Joshua.

Speaking to Sun Sport, David Haye said: "If this fight comes to fruition I genuinely fear for Jake Paul’s life.

“If by some miracle he were to pull off an upset, it would be bigger than Mike Tyson’s defeat against Buster Douglas.

“In boxing pedigree terms, This is like a lion vs a house cat. Two completely different propositions.”

The fight has come about as a result of Paul's initial opponent Gervonta Davis pulling out of a proposed fight at the last minute.

Miami in the USA is the expected location of the bout.