Jake Paul is only days away from stepping into the ring with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on December 19 – and he’s making sure everyone knows he’s coming for more than a paycheck.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Paul laid out exactly why he believes he can pull off one of the most improbable upsets in boxing history.
Despite giving up nearly 50 pounds, Paul insists Joshua’s style actually favors him. He pointed out that some of Joshua’s toughest nights came against fighters who were smaller, faster, and more mobile – the exact profile Paul believes fits him best.
“I see a lot of paths to victory,” Paul said, adding that once he adjusts to Joshua’s pace and footwork, the former champ will start to tire. Paul claims he already visualizes the opening he needs and expects the fight to heat up after the early rounds.
I’m going to set up the shot. I’m not going to say exactly what, but I see what it is. And I think it’ll end in the fifth or sixth round
Without revealing the specific punch he intends to land, Paul predicted the fight could end in the fifth or sixth round, describing a moment where Joshua overextends while trying to cut the ring off.
Paul also dismissed the idea that Joshua can knock him out, arguing that the heavyweight won’t be able to plant his feet long enough to land a clean bomb. Instead, Paul is banking on speed, angles, and movement to keep himself out of danger.
Jake Paul: Training with heavyweights and carrying confidence into judgment day
To prepare for the size gap, Paul has sparred with massive heavyweights – including top contender Frank Sanchez. The sessions have left their mark, literally, with Paul joking that his already crooked nose has been pushed around by some heavy shots.
Even so, he insists the work has left him more confident than ever. Entering the fight around 200 pounds, Paul believes he’s built the conditioning and timing needed to keep Joshua off balance.
The matchup remains one of the most unconventional main events in recent memory: a global entertainer stepping up two divisions against a seasoned powerhouse. But Paul maintains he’s not stepping into the ring to survive – he’s stepping in to shock the sport.
I don’t think he can knock me out because he’s not going to be able to line up his shots properly to be able to land the hard punch
Whether his vision is prophecy or just promotional bravado will be clear on December 19. Betting odds favor Joshua heavily, but Paul is convinced the punch he sees in his mind is the punch that will end the night.
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