WATCH: Boxers Shockingly Pick Against Anthony Joshua on Stage Ahead of Jake Paul Fight

Ariel Helwani asks undercard fighters for their pick for the Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul main event on December 19th at the Kaseya Center.

WATCH: Boxers Shockingly Pick Against Anthony Joshua on Stage Ahead of Jake Paul Fight

Boxers choose between Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul (via talkSport)

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The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua bout has become one of the most controversial matchups in recent years. Since its announcement, it has dominated discussion across the combat sports landscape. The pairing blends entertainment-driven boxing with an established heavyweight pedigree. Interest intensified further when undercard fighters were recently asked to make their selections for the main event.

Paul was initially scheduled to face Gervonta Davis before the fight fell apart. Davis withdrew due to legal troubles, forcing Paul to seek a replacement opponent. Paul quickly pivoted and finalized a fight with Joshua. The move significantly increased the event’s competitive risk. It also led to calls for Paul to dismiss members of his management due to the dangers of fighting an established heavyweight such as Joshua.

During fight-week coverage, combat sports reporter Ariel Helwani asked undercard fighters for their predictions. Fighters who selected Paul included Alycia Baumgardner, Jahmal Harvey, Amanda Galle, Yokasta Valle, Avious Griffin, and Keno Marley. Those who picked Joshua were Leila Beaudoin, Kevin Cervantes, and Caroline Dubois. The results showed a clear majority favoring the ‘Problem Child.’

Several fighters chose not to make a prediction. Among the most prominent were Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. Both previously competed against Paul in professional boxing bouts. Woodley lost a split decision in August 2021 before being knocked out in their December rematch. Silva later lost to Paul by unanimous decision in October 2022. Their abstentions stood out given their shared history.

Doubts surrounding the fight’s credibility have persisted due to the disparity in size and experience. Joshua has spent years competing at the highest level of heavyweight boxing. Paul’s career has progressed through carefully selected opposition. Critics continue to question the competitive balance. Despite this, UFC legend Demetrious Johnson also picked Paul, citing the unforgiving nature of combat sports.

Anthony Joshua, however, has stated that he will not hold back against Paul. He is known for his knockout power at the heavyweight level. Throughout his career, he has stopped several elite opponents. His résumé includes a knockout win over legendary heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko and a recent stoppage of Francis Ngannou. As the bout approaches, Joshua’s power remains a defining factor.

Veteran Boxer reminds Jake Paul about the dangers of fighting Anthony Joshua

The upcoming boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua has sparked widespread discussion due to its unconventional nature. The contest places a developing professional boxer against a former unified heavyweight champion. Observers have focused on the sharp contrast in experience, size, and competitive background.

Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul
Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul (via SPORTbible)

In his assessment of the fight, Sky Sports analyst Richie Woodhall addressed the risks involved. Woodhall is a former WBC super-middleweight world champion and an Olympic bronze medalist. He expressed surprise that the bout had been sanctioned, given the mismatch in elite-level experience. His reaction centered on the physical danger Paul faces against a proven heavyweight puncher.

In today’s boxing I didn’t think there would be anything that surprised me anymore. I think it’s a really dangerous contest. And I don’t care how much money is involved, you can be seriously hurt in boxing. If AJ connects with the right hand that we know he can do, he’ll land in the next universe, Jake Paul will, it’s quite simple.  I’ve been impressed with Jake Paul actually for all that it’s worth. He’s quite decent but he’s obviously a novice and that’s the way I see it.

Richie Woodhall via Sky Sports

Woodhall’s broader analysis emphasized concern rather than spectacle. He suggested that the fight goes beyond competitive ambition and enters dangerous territory. The scale of Joshua’s power and ring experience was highlighted as a decisive factor. The assessment framed the matchup as a serious test with potentially severe consequences.

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