Jake Paul says he’s prepared to pull off ‘the biggest upset in the sport of boxing’ when he meets Anthony Joshua, the former two-time unified heavyweight boxing champion, on Friday night in Miami.
But how he’s going to do it may be the most surprising part. The former YouTube influencer and actor says he plans to use superior boxing skills and strategy to defeat the 2012 Olympic gold medalist, whom the sportsbooks have installed as a massive favorite.
‘On paper, the cards are stacked against me. But really in terms of boxing, I’m a better boxer than AJ, which is hilarious to say, but he’s got two left feet,’ Paul told reporters on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
‘He’s stiff. If I was his coach, I’d put him in a dance class first before trying to box.’
Paul (12-1 as a pro) says he’s brought in several sparring partners who can mimic what he’ll see in the ring.
He faces a tall order in defeating Joshua (28-4). Literally. Joshua stands 6-6 and tips the scales at 245 pounds, ahead of the official weigh-in Thursday. Meanwhile, Paul is listed at 6-1 and 220 pounds.
Paul contends his quickness and nimble footwork will help offset Joshua’s size advantage. However, Paul has only fought once as a heavyweight – his unanimous decision over 58-year-old Mike Tyson.
The bout will be streamed live on Netflix.
When is Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua fight?
Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua are set to tangle on Friday, Dec. 19. Paul originally was set to fight Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
How to watch Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua on Netflix: Time, TV, streaming
Time: Ring walk not yet announced (Main card begins at 8 p.m. ET)
Date: Friday, Dec. 19
TV: Not available on TV
Streaming: Netflix