The boxing world is still reeling from the official confirmation that YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul will face two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua this December. The fight, set for December 19th in Miami under professional rules, has divided opinion like no other contest in recent memory.
Paul vs Joshua 'Dwarfs' Fury Showdown, Says Advisor
Nakisa Bidarian, Paul's business partner and the CEO of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), was central to securing the deal that has sent shockwaves through the sport. In a confident proclamation, Bidarian stated that Paul vs Joshua is a 'much bigger' global spectacle than the long-awaited Battle of Britain between Joshua and Tyson Fury.
"'Paul vs Joshua is a much bigger fight than Joshua vs Fury,' Bidarian said. 'It is not even close. Neither of those names matter in the US on a major basis. In the UK, yeah, maybe it's a bigger fight here. But globally, Jake vs Joshua dwarfs Joshua vs Fury.'"
Bidarian also laid out the ambitious future plans for Paul, suggesting that a credible performance against Joshua should earn him a heavyweight ranking, with former WBC champion Tyson Fury firmly in his sights. "If he beats AJ, he is going to want to fight both Furys, not just one. Seriously," Bidarian revealed.
The Road to Anthony Joshua: Eight Opponents Approached
The fight with Joshua came about after Paul's original planned bout with Gervonta Davis was scrapped just two weeks before it was due to begin. Paul, Bidarian, and streaming partner Netflix quickly drew up a list of eight potential replacements.
Bidarian explained that offers were made to eight fighters, including Terence Crawford, Ryan Garcia, and Tommy Fury. Both Joshua and Garcia reportedly agreed to the fight swiftly, but Garcia's involvement was reportedly blocked by broadcaster DAZN. While Crawford was also willing, terms could not be agreed upon.
The situation with Tommy Fury has since become a point of public contention, with the two trading barbs on social media. Bidarian claims Fury's financial demands were met, only for his camp to then say "there is not enough time," a move Bidarian suggests reveals their true intentions.
Responding to Critics and 'Rigging' Accusations
The fight has been met with significant criticism, with many former fighters and officials warning that Paul is risking his safety against a proven knockout artist like Joshua. Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, stated he was "totally against" the contest.
Bidarian remains unmoved, countering that the real safety issue in boxing is the systemic use of journeymen fighters, or "tomato cans," who are paid to lose. He pointed to the record of Michael Sprott, who was 39 and had already lost 21 times when he fought a young Joshua in 2014. "The British Boxing Board of Control should not have been sanctioning this guy," Bidarian argued, suggesting that fights like Paul vs Joshua, where both men intend to win, are not the problem.
Addressing persistent accusations that Paul's past fights have been rigged, Bidarian strongly dismissed the claims. He stated that the only anomaly in Paul's 13-fight career was the adjusted rules for the Mike Tyson bout, which he insists were approved by the Texas commission and designed for Tyson's benefit, not Paul's.
"If that is rigging a fight, then we rigged that fight, I guess," he said, referencing the two-minute rounds and 14oz gloves used for the 58-year-old Tyson.
What's at Stake for Anthony Joshua?
The stakes are incredibly high for both men. For Paul, a victory would represent an unprecedented leap in credibility. For Joshua, the pressure is immense. Having already suffered defeats to Andy Ruiz Jr, Oleksandr Usyk, and Daniel Dubois, a loss to a relative novice like Paul could signal the end of his time at the top.
Bidarian concluded on this point, stating, "If he loses to Jake Paul, what does that do? It shows that his time is nearing an end." While he acknowledged it wouldn't erase Joshua's past accomplishments, it would severely damage his future in the sport.
As the December 19th date in Miami approaches, the boxing world will be watching closely to see if Jake Paul can pull off the unthinkable or if Anthony Joshua will reaffirm the established order.
