Boxing Hall of Famer Warns Jake Paul Faces ‘Extreme’ danger Against Anthony Joshua
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As the december 21, 2024, boxing match between Anthony Joshua adn Jake Paul draws closer, concerns are mounting about a potential mismatch. boxing Hall of Famer Barry McGuigan has voiced strong reservations, stating Paul could be knock[ed] into next week
if Joshua unleashes his full power. The fight, scheduled for Riyadh, Saudi arabia, has sparked debate about fighter safety and the increasing trend of crossover bouts.
The disparity in skill and experience has prompted questions about the rationale behind the contest. McGuigan, speaking with Betway Insider, questioned how the fight was sanctioned without safeguards for Paul. It’s hard to believe they wouldn’t have signed some sort of caveat,
he said. How is Joshua being matched with this guy? Look at it coldly.
The bout is generating notable revenue, with reports suggesting a $50 million payout for Joshua, but critics argue the financial incentives are overshadowing legitimate competitive concerns.
Joshua’s Power a Clear Threat
McGuigan drew a stark comparison between Joshua’s demonstrated knockout power and Paul’s boxing credentials. He highlighted Joshua’s recent victory over Francis Ngannou-a formidable athlete known for his strength and durability-as a clear indicator of the danger Paul faces. Look at what Joshua did to Francis Ngannou-a giant of a man, built like a tank, who went 12 rounds with Tyson Fury,
McGuigan explained. joshua blasted him out in a couple of rounds.
This comparison underscores the significant gulf in experience and power between the two fighters.
the former WBA world champion believes Joshua may need to deliberately moderate his force to avoid seriously injuring Paul. [I]f Joshua hits him clean once, in the right place, he could break his jaw, knock him out cold, put him in a bad state,
McGuigan warned. He emphasized that Joshua operates in a different league
while classifying Paul as closer to a cruiserweight
rather than a true heavyweight,further highlighting the mismatch.
A ‘Freak Show’ Risk?
McGuigan expressed concern that the fight could devolve into a freak show
due to the extreme difference in skill levels. He reiterated his belief that a single clean shot from Joshua could have devastating consequences for Paul. Anyone with any sense knows that if Joshua hits him like he hit Ngannou, he’ll knock him into next week,
he stated. This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety within the boxing community about the potential for serious injury in these types of highly mismatched contests.
| Fighter | Age (as of 2024/12/07) | Record | Height | Weight Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthony Joshua | 34 | 27-3 (24 kos) | 6’6″ | Heavyweight |
| Jake Paul | 27 | 6-1 (4 KOs) | 6’1″ | Cruiserweight/Heavyweight |
| francis Ngannou | 37 | 0-1 (0 KOs) | 6’4″ | Heavyweight |
Did You Know?
Barry McGuigan, nicknamed The Clones Cyclone
, held the WBA and lineal featherweight titles in the mid-1980s, establishing himself as a prominent figure in boxing history before transitioning to a triumphant career as a promoter and analyst.
Pro Tip:
When evaluating boxing matchups, consider not only the fighters’ records but also their experience against elite competition and their demonstrated power and durability.
McGuigan’s concerns stem from a deep understanding of the sport’s realities. He earned his place in boxing history by capturing both the WBA and lineal featherweight titles in 1985, and has as leveraged his expertise as a promoter and analyst. His warnings about the Joshua-Paul fight carry significant weight within the boxing world.
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It’s hard to believe they wouldn’t have signed some sort of caveat. How is Joshua being matched with this guy? Look at it coldly.
-Barry McGuigan, Betway Insider
What measures, if any, should be taken to ensure fighter safety in crossover boxing matches? Do you think the Joshua-Paul fight is a legitimate sporting contest or primarily a spectacle?
Background: The Rise of Crossover Boxing
the Joshua-Paul fight is the latest example of a growing trend in boxing: crossover events featuring athletes from other disciplines, particularly mixed martial arts (MMA). This trend has been driven by the potential for large paydays and increased mainstream attention. However, it has also raised concerns about fighter safety and the integrity of the sport. The involvement of promotional companies like Matchroom Boxing and PBC (Premier boxing Champions) highlights the financial incentives driving these events. The debate centers on whether these fights are legitimate sporting contests or primarily entertainment spectacles.
Frequently Asked questions
What are the main concerns about the Joshua-Paul fight?
The primary concern is the significant mismatch in skill and experience between Anthony joshua, a seasoned heavyweight boxer, and Jake Paul, a relative newcomer to the sport. Experts fear Paul could be seriously injured.
What is Barry McGuigan’s background in boxing?
Barry McGuigan is a former world champion boxer who held the WBA and lineal featherweight titles in the mid-1980s. he has since become a respected promoter and analyst in the sport.
How does Joshua’s recent fight against Francis Ngannou factor into these concerns?
Joshua’s quick knockout of francis Ngannou, a powerful athlete who went 12 rounds with Tyson Fury, demonstrates the significant power advantage Joshua holds over Paul.
Is Jake Paul a true heavyweight?
According to McGuigan, Jake Paul is closer to a cruiserweight than a heavyweight, further emphasizing the size and skill disparity in this matchup.
What is the potential outcome of the Joshua-Paul fight, according to McGuigan?
McGuigan believes Joshua could easily knock Paul out with a single clean hit, potentially causing serious injury, and suggests Joshua may need to restrain his power.
If you found this article insightful, please share it with your fellow boxing fans and join the conversation! We’d love to hear your thoughts on this highly anticipated matchup.
