Jake Paul has shaken up the boxing world, earning respect and a spot in the World Boxing Association rankings. The YouTuber-turned-boxer is now considered a potential opponent for heavyweight Anthony Joshua.
Tyson Fury, the heavyweight champion, made a bold statement about Paul's chances against Joshua. In an interview with Ring Magazine before the Oleksandr Usyk vs Daniel Dubois fight at Wembley Stadium, Fury said he believes Paul could knock out Joshua.
"Jake Paul would have no problem knocking out Joshua. I think Jake Paul would knock out Anthony Joshua, he's consumed and Jake Paul is on the rise. I like him as a heavyweight, a little chubby, a little bulky. I like how Jake Paul challenges everyone from featherweight to heavyweight."
Fury didn't stop there. He added, "I would bet a million dollars" on Paul winning the hypothetical matchup.
Paul's boxing career has gained momentum. He recently beat Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June, a win that boosted his credibility. Paul has set his sights on becoming a world champion and has named potential opponents including Joshua, Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez, Badou Jack, and even lightweight champion Gervonta Davis.
On the other hand, Joshua's career has seen some setbacks. He's suffered four losses as a professional, with two of those coming by knockout. His first major upset came on June 1, 2019, at Madison Square Garden, when Andy Ruiz knocked him down twice in the third round before finishing the fight in the seventh.
More recently, on September 21, 2024, Joshua faced another tough loss against Daniel Dubois. Dubois knocked Joshua down four times in the first five rounds before securing a knockout in the fifth.
Fury, who has retired twice, plans to complete a trilogy fight with Oleksandr Usyk. His comments about Paul and Joshua have added fuel to the ongoing discussions about the changing landscape of professional boxing.
Paul's inclusion in the sport has certainly shifted dynamics, bringing new audiences and challenges to traditional boxing. Whether or not he'll face Joshua in the ring remains to be seen, but it's clear that Paul has made his mark on the boxing world.
