Joshua vs Jake Paul: Boxing Experts Predict the Showdown

Anthony Joshua returns to the ring after 15 months to face Jake Paul in a high-profile heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

In an unexpected pairing, the former two-time world champion boxes a YouTube personality-turned-boxer in a much-anticipated eight-round clash. The question remains: can Joshua reclaim his elite form with a knockout, or will Paul pull off one of boxing's biggest upsets?

INLIBER Sport canvassed a cross-section of boxing voices for their take on the outcome.

Lennox Lewis - retired heavyweight world champion

Lewis believes Joshua will start with a disciplined jab, forcing Paul to move and avoid Joshua’s power. He expects Joshua to apply pressure, mix in body shots, and finish with sharp right hands, likely in the early rounds. Prediction - Joshua

Natasha Jonas - former two-weight world champion

Jonas says if Paul can survive the early moments, it could cast doubt on boxing’s merit, but if Joshua performs as expected, the clash could end quickly and decisively. She notes that Paul will struggle to dodge clean punches and will be unable to absorb meaningful shots from Joshua. Prediction - Joshua

Frazer Clarke - British heavyweight

Clarke admits he was surprised Paul agreed to the fight and believes Joshua’s power could make the night very short. He feels Joshua is a different level when he unleashes his power, and the punch output could be decisive. Prediction - Joshua

Carl Frampton - retired two-weight world champion

Frampton cautions that landing cleanly might take time in the early rounds, and any lapse could see Joshua chase Paul into the ropes and take control. He expects Joshua to prevail, potentially by stoppage after a phase of pressure. Prediction - Joshua

Eddie Hearn - Matchroom promoter

Hearn says a knockout could arrive in the early stages, with either a body shot or a clean shot ending the night. He notes that once Joshua connects solidly, the result could be inevitable. Prediction - Joshua

Joe Gallagher - boxing trainer

Gallagher expects a probing start, followed by Joshua letting his hands go by the second or third round. If Joshua opens up early as in past big moments, Paul could be stopped inside the first three rounds. Prediction - Joshua

Richie Woodhall - retired world champion

Woodhall compares the mismatch to a top-tier club facing a giant underdog—dangerous, but Joshua remains among the sport’s elite. He believes Joshua will look to win convincingly with sustained aggression and power, not a staged display. Prediction - Joshua

Anthony Crolla - retired former lightweight world champion

Crolla suggests a non-staged bout would likely see Joshua win by stoppage around the second round. Prediction - Joshua

Troy Williamson - British super-middleweight

Williamson leans toward an Joshua victory on points, though he would prefer a knockout earlier in the night. Prediction - Joshua

Cassius Chaney - American heavyweight

Chaney entertains the idea of a draw, considering Paul’s movement could frustrate Joshua and steal a few rounds. Prediction - draw

Izzy Asif - GBM promoter

Asif foresees a finish for Joshua around rounds three or four, but notes Paul might survive the initial onslaught and fight back. Prediction - Joshua

Chris Billam-Smith - former cruiserweight world champion

Billam-Smith calls the bout one of the most unusual in recent times and believes a five-round fight would still raise questions; he backs Joshua to win, but with reservations about a rapid completion. Prediction - Joshua

Caroline Dubois - lightweight world champion

Dubois says the result is truly unclear and complex; anything could happen in this unpredictable matchup. Prediction: On the fence

Expert take

Expert comment: Joshua’s blend of speed and power gives him the edge if he lands cleanly, while Paul will need sustained movement and sharp defense to survive. If Joshua finds his rhythm early, the fight could end sooner rather than later.

Bottom line

Across the board, Joshua is widely favored to win, with many predicting a knockout if he can impose his power early. Still, the unique nature of the matchup keeps a surprise outcome within the realm of possibility.

Short summary: Joshua’s return faces a playful but dangerous challenger in Paul. Most analysts expect Joshua to control the fight with his physical edge and punching power, possibly ending it in the early rounds. A few observers see Paul’s movement as a path to a lengthy contest or even an unlikely draw, keeping the door open for drama inside the ring.

Key insight: When Joshua lands, the fight often ends quickly, but Jake Paul’s movement could prolong the night and keep fans guessing until the final bell. BBC Sport

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