Oleksandr Usyk’s Blunt Prediction for Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua
Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has given his verdict on the Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua showdown — and the Ukrainian didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts.
Jake Paul and Joshua are set to meet in an eight-round professional bout airing live on Netflix. The fight was arranged quickly after Paul’s scheduled clash with WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis collapsed.
Paul pulled out of the Davis fight following domestic violence allegations against the American star, leading to a rapid search for a new opponent. In a surprising twist, former two-time world heavyweight champion Joshua stepped in.
Usyk to Work With Joshua Ahead of the Paul Fight
While Paul must now prepare for a drastically different challenge in Joshua, ‘AJ’ has had changes of his own. Ahead of his first bout in 15 months, Joshua revealed he has parted ways with coach Ben Davison and will instead link up with Usyk’s team.
Joshua has fought Usyk twice — in 2021 and 2022 — losing both times. But as he gears up for his comeback, he’s turning to the unbeaten Ukrainian technician, who has remained untouchable in 24 professional fights.
Although Usyk and Joshua haven’t yet sparred, the unified champion has already faced media questions about the upcoming bout.
Usyk’s Candid Take on Paul vs. Joshua
Speaking to Boxing King Media, Usyk initially played coy, claiming he wasn’t sure who would win the eight-round matchup. But he quickly dropped the mask and delivered a blunt assessment.
“A Rolls-Royce cannot compete with a Fiat,” Usyk said. “Anthony Joshua is the Rolls-Royce. Jake Paul is the Fiat.”
Joshua represents a massive step up for Paul. The Brit is one of the top heavyweights of his era, boasts a major size advantage, and has far more experience. Paul, a natural cruiserweight, has only fought one heavyweight — his exhibition-style bout with a 58-year-old Mike Tyson last year.
Despite Paul’s respectable record of 12 wins from 13 fights, none of his opponents come close to Joshua’s calibre. Joshua, who normally weighs around 260 pounds, is cutting down to the 245-pound limit, whereas Paul has to bulk up after preparing for a lightweight opponent.
Even so, plenty still believe Paul has an upset in him. One of them is former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who says he’s backing the YouTuber-turned-boxer with a huge wager.
“Jake Paul knocks AJ out — 100 percent,” Fury insisted. “If they fight, I’m putting a million pounds on Jake Paul. AJ is a spent force, and Jake Paul is on the rise. I like his new heavyweight look — a bit chubby, a bit bulky. He’s getting there.”
