Jake Paul has never lacked confidence, but his latest claim ahead of Jake Paul vs Joshua has turned heads across the boxing world, including here in the UK.
Just hours before stepping into the ring with former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, the YouTuber-turned-boxer says he believes he will knock Joshua out in what he calls a “biblical” upset.
For British boxing fans, the fight raises serious questions about credibility, legacy, and whether this bout is a genuine sporting contest or pure spectacle.
Why is Jake Paul calling a Joshua upset “biblical”?
Speaking in Miami ahead of Friday night’s fight, Paul compared himself to David defeating Goliath, framing the bout as more than just boxing.
“This would be biblical, like reimagining David beating Goliath. I’ve studied that story going into this fight.”
Paul claims there will be a brief moment where Joshua becomes vulnerable, and that’s when he plans to strike.
“There’s going to be a moment when Joshua is exposed, and I know I have the power to beat him.”
For UK audiences, the comparison is bold. Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, has shared the ring with elite names such as Wladimir Klitschko, Andy Ruiz Jr, Oleksandr Usyk, and Dillian Whyte.
Paul, by contrast, has just over five years of professional boxing experience.
Paul’s boxing journey hasn’t been without controversy. Earlier in 2025, he engaged in heated promotional exchanges with other fighters, including a notable scene at a London press event where Paul took aim at Gervonta Davis over past legal and weight drama that captured UK fight fans’ attention.
That incident highlighted how Paul’s approach often blends brash showmanship with real-world boxing conflict, a style that polarises audiences in the UK and US alike.
What is Jake Paul actually predicting will happen?
Paul has gone further than vague confidence. He has given a specific knockout prediction. “I think I end up knocking him out in the fourth or fifth round.”
He also claims his boxing skill has improved significantly, highlighting his jab rather than his more publicised right hand. “My jab sets everything up. People are going to be surprised by how much better I’ve become.”
From a UK boxing standpoint, this is where scepticism kicks in. Joshua has fought world-title bouts lasting 12 rounds under elite pressure. Paul has never faced a heavyweight anywhere near Joshua’s level, power, or ring IQ.
How do Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua compare on paper?
While boxing isn’t won on statistics alone, the experience gap is vast.
| Category | Anthony Joshua | Jake Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Professional experience | Over a decade | Just over 5 years |
| World titles | Unified heavyweight champion (multiple reigns) | None |
| Elite opponents | Klitschko, Usyk, Ruiz Jr | Influencer & crossover fighters |
| Championship rounds | Regularly 10–12 | Limited |
| UK boxing status | Established elite | Outsider |
For British fans, this comparison explains why many see the fight as a commercial event rather than a competitive one.
Why is this fight causing controversy in the UK?
In the UK, boxing tradition runs deep. Joshua is viewed as a standard-bearer of British heavyweight boxing, filling stadiums like Wembley and carrying an Olympic pedigree.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua isn’t just a fight. It’s a mismatch in size, power, and legacy.
Paul may bring hype, but Joshua brings sheer scale and world-class skill.
This isn’t a battle of equals. It’s David vs Goliath, except David is loud on social media and Goliath can… pic.twitter.com/nGV1Gbo3U0
— TheCommonVoice (@MaxRumbleX) December 18, 2025
Paul’s rise, however, has been driven by social media, pay-per-view appeal, and crossover audiences. While this has brought new eyes to boxing, critics argue it risks undermining the sport’s competitive integrity.
A common sentiment among UK fans on social platforms is that Joshua has “nothing to gain” and “everything to lose”.
What happens if Jake Paul actually pulls this off?
If Paul were to win, especially by knockout, the impact would be seismic.
- Joshua’s reputation would take a serious hit
- The crossover boxing model would gain massive credibility
- UK promoters and broadcasters would face pressure to book similar fights
Paul himself hinted that boxing may not even be his final destination. “The only thing left would be becoming a world champion… or maybe politics. Imagine Jake Paul entering a space like that.”
For UK audiences, that statement alone reinforces how unconventional and controversial this entire event is.
Is Anthony Joshua taking the fight seriously?
Joshua’s camp has remained relatively calm and professional, sticking to the message of preparation and discipline. Historically, Joshua has struggled when fights become emotional or chaotic, something Paul is clearly trying to manufacture.
From a British boxing perspective, the expectation remains clear: Joshua is expected to win comfortably. Anything else would be considered one of the biggest shocks in modern sporting history.
