David Haye Reveals Shocking Reality of Jake Paul Facing Anthony Joshua
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has been warned that stepping into the ring with British boxing star Anthony Joshua could put his life at risk.
Paul, 28, was originally scheduled to fight Gervonta Davis this Friday, but the bout was canceled after a domestic abuse lawsuit was filed against the lightweight champion. Since then, Paul has been searching for a new opponent. According to Ring Magazine’s Mike Coppinger, two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua is now expected to replace Davis in a December fight, likely at the 19,600-capacity Kaseya Center in Miami, with the event streamed live on Netflix.
Joshua, 36, has been inactive for 14 months following a fifth-round KO loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley. Despite his layoff, the matchup is seen as heavily one-sided. Paul has 12 professional wins and one loss, mainly against former MMA fighters and older or less-experienced boxers—including a 58-year-old Mike Tyson, his only heavyweight fight at 227 lbs. Joshua, by contrast, weighed 252.5 lbs against Dubois, is an Olympic gold medalist, and holds a professional record of 28 wins (25 by KO) and four losses.
Former world champion David Haye described the potential fight as a serious mismatch, warning that Paul would be risking his life.
David Haye’s Warning to Jake Paul
Speaking to SunSport, Haye said:
“If this fight happens, I genuinely fear for Jake Paul’s life. If he somehow pulls off an upset, it would be bigger than Mike Tyson’s loss to Buster Douglas. In boxing terms, this is like a lion versus a house cat—completely different levels.”
Haye also noted that such a mismatch would likely be blocked in the UK, Las Vegas, or New York, but Miami’s looser regulations make it possible. He added that some safeguards might be implemented for Paul:
“I can’t imagine AJ being restricted from hitting Paul freely. Unless Joshua is seriously injured, he should find a way to win easily. Paul’s 12 wins came against modest competition, while AJ is an Olympic gold medalist and two-time world heavyweight champion—this is absolutely crazy.”
Eddie Hearn on Joshua vs Paul
The fight is not yet officially confirmed. Promoter Eddie Hearn said reports claiming a finalized deal were premature but acknowledged there’s a chance the bout could happen before year-end.
Speaking to BBC 5 Live Breakfast, Hearn said:
“Our main focus is 2026, with a big fight planned for February and hopefully a clash with Tyson Fury next summer. We may run a fight in 2025. If it involves Mr. Paul and generates tens of millions, maybe. Nothing is confirmed yet.”
