New York: Former world champion Barry McGuigan has sharply criticised Jake Paul after hearing the YouTuber-turned-boxer’s confident claims about defeating Anthony Joshua in their upcoming mega-fight scheduled for December 19 in Miami.
The crossover showdown was organised after Paul’s original bout with Gervonta Davis—set for November 14—was cancelled due to fresh domestic abuse allegations against the WBA lightweight champion.
In contrast, former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) is making his return to the ring after a prolonged layoff. Joshua has been out since his September 2024 defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium, where he sustained injuries.
McGuigan mocks Paul’s criticism of Joshua’s chin and style
During an interview with Boxing King Media, McGuigan reacted bluntly when asked about Paul’s claims that Joshua “has no chin, is stiff, and lacks rhythm.”
McGuigan dismissed the remarks entirely:
“What a fool. What an absolute idiot. He’s going to get absolutely annihilated. If this is real, he’s going to get absolutely annihilated. And who can blame Joshua? They’ve offered him this guy for 35 or 40 million. God Almighty, it’s unbelievable.”
McGuigan’s comments echo widespread sentiment across the boxing world, with many experts believing that Paul is taking a massive gamble stepping in with one of the era’s top heavyweights.
Fight details and record-breaking purse
Despite criticism surrounding the matchup, the fight is officially sanctioned as an eight-round bout with 10oz gloves. Reports suggest a staggering £140 million purse, split evenly between the two fighters—meaning both Paul and Joshua will earn roughly £70 million each.
Paul enters the contest with a record of 12-1 (7 KOs), while Joshua carries the far superior résumé and knockout power into what many expect to be a one-sided affair.
