Joshua vs Paul Predictions: Boxing Experts Back Joshua to Stop Paul
Boxing veterans and pundits share predictions for Joshua vs Paul, with most backing Joshua to win—likely by knockout in the early rounds amid a highly anticipated heavyweight showdown.
Anthony Joshua returns to the ring after a 15-month layoff to face Jake Paul in Miami. The eight-round heavyweight clash has fans buzzing as two generations collide.
The bout pairs a former two-time heavyweight world champion against a social media star turned fighter, delivering one of boxing's most talked-about matchups. Can Joshua reclaim his elite form, or will Paul pull off a historic upset?
Lennox Lewis - retired heavyweight world champion
The former undisputed champion expects Joshua to set the pace with sharp jabs, then apply pressure with body shots and powerful right hands. Paul will look to move away from danger, but Lewis believes Joshua will close the distance and finish inside the second round.
Prediction - Joshua
Natasha Jonas - former two-weight world champion
Jonas says a convincing Joshua win would remind fans of the value of top-tier boxing, while warning that Paul can complicate matters with his movement. If Joshua lands cleanly, she expects a stoppage rather than a lengthy battle.
Prediction - Joshua
Frazer Clarke - British heavyweight
Clarke admits he was surprised by Paul taking the fight but backs Joshua's power to tell. He believes AJ's strength could overwhelm Paul and lead to an early stoppage.
Prediction - Joshua
Carl Frampton - retired two-weight world champion
Frampton suggests Joshua may need a couple of rounds to land cleanly, but once he does, the heavier punch should clinch the win inside the early rounds.
Prediction - Joshua
Eddie Hearn - Matchroom promoter
Hearn says the outcome could swing in various ways—from a body shot that changes the fight to a clean knockout. He believes Joshua's speed and power make a late stoppage likely, or the referee could stop it earlier.
Prediction - Joshua
Joe Gallagher - boxing trainer
Gallagher foresees a measured start, then Joshua turning up the pressure by rounds two or three. If Joshua attacks with intent, a stoppage in the first three rounds is a real possibility.
Prediction - Joshua
Richie Woodhall - retired world champion
Woodhall compares the matchup to a big underdog taking on a heavyweight icon. While Joshua has aged, he remains among the sport's elite and will look to impose power early.
Prediction - Joshua
Anthony Crolla - retired former lightweight world champion
Crolla believes the bout could finish in Joshua's favor by the second round if all goes to plan.
Prediction - Joshua
Troy Williamson - British super-middleweight
Williamson expects Joshua to win on points, though he suspects the finish might not come in the early rounds. He notes a potential late decision is plausible.
Prediction - Joshua
Cassius Chaney - American heavyweight
Chaney muses about a possible draw, suggesting Paul's movement could frustrate Joshua for several rounds. He hints Joshua may not chase relentlessly, possibly allowing Paul to survive longer.
Prediction - draw
Izzy Asif - GBM promoter
Asif sees Joshua finding a finish around rounds three or four, though he acknowledges Paul will come prepared. He expects Joshua to seize the moment once the opportunity arises.
Prediction - Joshua
Chris Billam-Smith - former cruiserweight world champion
Billam-Smith calls the matchup bold and entertaining; if the fight lasts five rounds, he would still favor Joshua to edge it, likely by stoppage.
Prediction - Joshua
Caroline Dubois - lightweight world champion
Dubois admits the outcome is highly unpredictable and could go either way, emphasizing that anything can happen in this clash.
Prediction - On the fence
Expert commentary
Joshua's power and speed are listed as decisive if he lands cleanly. A strong early burst could settle the fight in the initial rounds.
Summary
Most experts view Joshua as the favorite thanks to his punching power, with the key question being whether he can land early. If Paul avoids a quick knockout, movement and endurance may keep the match alive longer, but the consensus leans toward a Joshua victory by knockout or stoppage in the early rounds.
Key takeaway: When Joshua lands, the fight often tilts decisively in his favor; still, Paul’s movement keeps the door open for a surprise. BBC Sport
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