Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: Is the YouTuber-turned-boxer ready for Joshua?
INLIBER Sport analyzes Jake Paul's boxing progress and training camp ahead of his high-profile Miami bout with Anthony Joshua, exploring strengths, weaknesses and what it means for his future.
In Miami this week, Jake Paul faces a heavyweight test against Anthony Joshua, a bout that has drawn global attention. The YouTube star turned pro boxer insists he belongs among boxing’s elite, while Joshua seeks to reaffirm his status at the top of the heavyweight division.
Inside Paul's heavyweight training camp
Paul operates a high-budget boxing operation anchored by a base in Puerto Rico valued at roughly £3 million. The facility includes recovery suites, a dedicated strength and conditioning area, and equipment usually reserved for world-class pros.
Leading the physical work is conditioning coach Larry Wade, who has trained champions, while head coach Theo Chambers — a Kronk Gym alumni — runs technical sessions with former world challenger J'Leon Love.
Sparring partners have included names like Lawrence Okolie, Cuban heavyweight Frank Sanchez, and American puncher Jared Anderson. Early in camp, Cassius Chaney described the sessions as demanding and productive, noting Paul has improved noticeably from the first to the second day of sparring.
Paul himself insists his game has sharpened, pointing to better footwork, tighter defense, and greater composure in the ring, with combinations, body work, and feints flowing more naturally with experience.
How good is he, really?
Paul’s resume contains recognizable opponents, but critics question how much boxing weight those wins carry. His high-profile win over a much older opponent generated headlines, while his clash with Tommy Fury in 2023 ended with Paul being edged by the younger British challenger.
Supporters cite progress through early knockouts of rivals with limited recent action, while skeptics argue the gaps to top-tier competition remain large. According to some former pros and analysts, the leap to British title level is far from assured for Paul.
Strengths, weaknesses and the style gap
Those who have shared rounds with Paul say he is athletic and intelligent in the ring, with power that can surprise opponents. The unconventional path he has taken may be an advantage, bringing awkwardness that disrupts traditional development curves. Yet opponents and experts warn that true ring craft requires years of professional rounds and real exposure to the sport’s best rivals.
While his conditioning has improved, insiders stress that experience matters more than money in boxing, and Paul still lacks the comprehensive fight IQ earned from many bouts against seasoned pros.
How Joshua might approach the challenge
Analysts expect Joshua to start cautiously, using his reach and timing to control the distance while Paul looks for quick moments to land. Some believe Joshua will secure a decisive finish, while others warn that Paul’s belief and pressure could keep him in the fight longer than expected.
Recent history with non-elite opponents suggests there is danger in underestimating an ambitious challenger, and Joshua’s ability to stay disciplined and accurate will be crucial to neutralize Paul’s firepower.
Expert comment
Expert comment: Paul’s backers say the improvements are real, even if the wider boxing public remains skeptical about his level against top contenders. Critics stress the in-ring experience gap could prove decisive.
Summary
Jake Paul has invested heavily in a serious training operation and is showing progress, especially in conditioning and technique. Whether that progress translates into beating a verified heavyweight like Joshua remains unproven. The outcome will hinge on whether Paul can convert his practice into consistency under pressure and whether Joshua can impose a seasoned fight plan from the first bell.
Key insight: The bout tests whether Jake Paul’s growing skills can outweigh his lack of extensive pro rounds, or if Joshua’s proven track record still dominates. BBC Sport
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