Anthony Joshua isn’t just stepping into the ring for himself—he’s carrying the weight of boxing fans still furious over Jake Paul’s controversial fight with Mike Tyson, according to UFC legend Jorge Masvidal.
Masvidal says many boxing faithful are desperate to see Paul knocked out cold when he faces the two-time heavyweight champion on December 19 in Miami.
The sport was left stunned last year when Paul fought 59-year-old Mike Tyson, winning by unanimous decision—a result widely criticised and labelled a “showcase gone wrong.”
“If AJ executes Jake Paul in under a minute, it won’t change his legacy,” Masvidal told Thunderpick. “But it’ll add clout and a whole lot of bags. And honestly, everyone wants to see Jake get whooped for what he did to Mike Tyson.”
He added that Joshua could become a “folklore hero” among fans: “Those 14-year-olds who worship Jake now will still be talking about AJ when they’re 28.”
Joshua has already made his intentions clear.
“It’s not a win if I just beat him—I need to knock him out,” he said. “I’m going to break his face and break his body. I’m here to prove I’m the better fighter. I want to hurt him. Really hurt him.”
Even former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk has warned that the mismatch could be dangerous, saying Joshua could “kill” Paul if he truly unleashes his power.
“Anthony Joshua is an Olympic champion. Jake Paul is a YouTuber, a showman. Joshua is Rolls-Royce; Jake is a Fiat,” Usyk told Boxing Scene. “Yes, I will pray for Jake Paul.”
