The saga between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua has taken an unexpected turn and could completely overshadow the attention previously received by the failed duel between Paul and Gervonta Davis. The 10-round exhibition scheduled for tonight at the Kaseya Center in Miami, and initially broadcast by Netflix, fell apart after reports linked the lightweight champion to a domestic violence case
With the event up in the air, the figure of Joshua, the former unified heavyweight champion, emerged, who found a route full of obstacles before positioning himself as the possible protagonist of the new big fight.
A search for an opponent with many obstacles
From attempted fights against Ryan Garcia to negotiations with Francis Ngannou, Joshua had to go through a seemingly endless series of disputes. However, reports from analyst Rick Glaser suggest that the story is much deeper
According to sources, Paul and his promoter Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) are said to have made a considerable financial effort to offer Joshua a favourable position, even overcoming the biggest obstacle: a broadcast deal with DAZN that blocked Ryan Garcia’s involvement. According to Glaser, the Briton’s promoter Eddie Hearn is said to have revealed that Paul and MVP shelled out an “exorbitant” sum to free Joshua and allow him to enter the Netflix card planned for December.
Joshua maintains his media value as Netflix enters the fray
Beyond the contractual aspect, Joshua’s possible involvement is no coincidence. Despite his tough knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois 15 months ago, Hearn considers the former champion to still be one of the most attractive names in British boxing
An appearance at a globally broadcast Netflix event could revitalize his image and gauge his true reach after the stumble. “Hearn wants the exposure on Netflix to prove that Joshua still has star power,” Glaser explained.
December 19“it’s definitely not closed”the economic magnitude of the project could tip the balance“AJ is not playing. This is not an exhibition. It will be a real fight,”
Fight remains in limbo as both sides negotiate
does not rule out Joshua returning to the ring before the end of the year,the fight continues to navigate between rumors confirmed by some and denied by others
, but one thing is clear: if Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua cross paths in December, it will be one of the most media-friendly and surprising events of the year.
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