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Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul – the rumour masking a bigger plan – opinion
Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul – the rumour masking a bigger plan – opinion
As per Mike Coppinger of The Ring Magazine, Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are finalising a deal for a heavyweight fight on Netflix in December in Miami. Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul marks a huge step up for Paul should the fight be made against the former unified heavyweight champion. Despite this news, Big Fight Weekend looks at the possibility that this is a planned rumour from Team Paul to mask their pursuit and help in negotiations to face the real target.
Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul – a strategic play or the real deal
Jake Paul was set to face Gervonta Davis in Miami on November 14, before “Tank” was embroiled in more legal trouble, being accused by ex-girlfriend Courtney Rossel of battery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, kidnapping and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Most Valuable Promotions moved swiftly to announce the fight would not be happening by releasing the following statement:
“Most Valuable Promotions and Netflix have announced that Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis, originally scheduled for Friday, November 14 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, will no longer be moving forward.
“Our team has worked closely with all parties to navigate this situation responsibly,” said Nakisa Bidarian, CEO of Most Valuable Promotions. “While we will not be moving forward with this event, our plan still remains for Jake Paul to headline an event on Netflix in 2025. Details regarding a new date, location, Jake’s opponent, and additional bouts will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We thank Netflix, the Kaseya Center, and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for their partnership.”
Is Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul close to being finalised?
Eddie Hearn and Team Paul have spoken positively about a potential fight between Paul and AJ. The rumour mill appears set to go into overdrive with this update from Coppinger that it’s close, but it just feels like this is a smokescreen for something else.
Paul was training to face a lightweight world champion, and the adjustments needed to face Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) cannot be overlooked. The silence from Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) and the lack of real hints from AJ or anyone at Matchroom make it hard to believe this is as close as the reports have us believe.
A fight against an inactive former world champion appears more likely. If Netflix are to remain a part of Paul’s next fight, a big name with plenty of intrigue is needed. Someone like Adrian Broner fits the bill. A world champion in four different weight classes, but largely inactive. His personality and ability would ensure numbers would tune in to see this fight.
A rematch against Tommy Fury would also attract more numbers than a rematch with Anderson Silva or Nate Diaz, no matter the MMA records of both.
What do you think? Is this a smokescreen, or is Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul really happening?
Freelance Writer and Digital Marketer, spending most of his time waiting for Andy Cruz to win a world title. Also watches YouTube videos of Lennox Lewis fights on a daily basis.
