Anthony Joshua made his feelings on influencer boxing clear two years before $184M Jake Paul fight

Anthony Joshua was a fan of crossover boxing before he agreed to become a part of it.

During the past decade, boxing has seen an influx of novice fighters and money-hungry celebrities.

Jake Paul was a YouTuber before he laced up the gloves and carved out a 12-2 professional record.

Even though he’s set to fight Anthony Joshua on December 19, questions are still being asked about his legitimacy and whether people like him are helping or hurting the sport.

Anthony Joshua loves influencer boxing

Anthony Joshua, who is reportedly set to split a $184 million fight pot with Jake Paul, was asked for his thoughts on influencer boxing during an interview in October 2023.

The former two-time heavyweight world champion passionately explained why it’s good for the sport he loves.

“10 out of 10. I’m telling you, it’s good for boxing,” Joshua told JOE.

“It’s showing people you can fight someone that is well-known, credible, can fight, marketable, without a championship, and have that same effect early on in your career. And you can still get all the rewards anyway.

“So, I think they’re showing guys, ‘Oh, hang on a minute. There is so much potential in boxing regardless of championships.’ I think it’s good because now people start taking more risks early on.

“These guys coming into the game are changing the landscape for the better, showcasing that if you have a business mind on, are marketable, creative, content-driven, and obviously talented, you can generate big business and do great things.

Anthony Joshua’s fight prediction

Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul is a mammoth mismatch on paper, but some people fancy the upset.

The British boxing icon understands that it’s not enough for him to dance his way to a decision win.

Only a knockout will do at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on Saturday night.

“There’s zero chance this fight goes the distance,” Joshua said.

“It might go one round. It might go two rounds, but he won’t see the final bell.”

“It’s a win-win situation for Jake Paul because he’s in there with me and he could come back stronger even in defeat. But the only way it’s a win-win for me is if I get the knockout.

“I’ve learned about speaking things into existence, so I’m telling everyone that I am getting that knockout.”