What Malignaggi, Fury And Haye Really Think Of Paul Vs Joshua

“No, not at all, but I think it can last longer if Jake fights to survive. If he runs around for his life, he may last two, maybe three rounds,” said Paulie Malignaggi to talkSPORT Boxing when asked about Jake Paul’s chances against Anthony Joshua.

Paul, 28, has never shown quick footwork in any of his 13 professional fights. After adding noticeable weight to his 6-foot-1 frame, it would be difficult for him to move consistently over the course of an eight-round fight.

“I think if Jake tries to win the fight, the fight is over in a round. In order to try and win the fight, you have to attack, be in the pocket, and be at risk,” Malignaggi said.

Joshua was knocked down early in his last fight against Daniel Dubois in September 2024, though Dubois is a much larger and more powerful puncher than Paul.

Malignaggi suggested the outcome would come down to Paul’s intent rather than his ability.

“It’s a little like the McGregor fight. It depends on who you want to impress. Do you want to impress the casuals, or do you want to impress the people that count and understand the sport?”

Tyson Fury Criticizes Anthony Joshua’s Comments Ahead of Jake Paul Fight

Tyson Fury reacted on social media to comments made by Anthony Joshua ahead of his fight with Jake Paul this Friday night, criticizing Joshua’s language and choice of opponent.

Fury took issue with Joshua discussing the possibility of killing someone in the ring, given that he is facing a YouTuber and coming off a recent knockout loss.

“I’ve just been sent a video of Anthony Joshua talking about if he kills somebody, he kills somebody in a boxing ring. He’s a little long in the tooth to be talking like that. He’s 37 years old, at the end of his career, fighting a YouTuber, a Disney Channel guy, who Tommy [Fury] beat. Now, he’s talking about killing him,” said Fury via Ring Magazine on X.

“If I ever come across you, I’m knocking you spark out. I ain’t a YouTuber or a man half your size. You’re a classless loser, coming off a knockout against a local lad.”

David Haye Questions Outcome of Joshua vs. Jake Paul Fight

David Haye believes Anthony Joshua’s fight with Jake Paul may not be as predictable as many expect, despite the significant gap in experience between the two.

The former two-division world champion said the matchup appears “too obvious on paper,” which led him to predict what he described as the biggest upset in sporting history. Haye suggested that unforeseen circumstances could alter the course of the fight.

“I think something is going to happen,” Haye said in an interview with <a href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk1OqgUr8Co”>The Sun Sport</a>. “A cut or a no contest, a big clash of heads.”

Haye also speculated that Joshua could be entering the bout with an undisclosed injury. He questioned Paul’s decision to take the fight, suggesting it may indicate inside knowledge about Joshua’s physical condition. Haye did not provide evidence to support the claim.

“Jake Paul could pick anyone else,” Haye said. “Maybe he knows something. Maybe AJ has an injury we don’t know about.”

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has dismissed those suggestions in recent interviews, stating that Joshua is in strong condition and fully prepared. Hearn has repeatedly said he expects Joshua to end the fight quickly, citing the former heavyweight champion’s power and experience.

In a media workout held earlier this week, Joshua appeared sharp while working the pads, showing speed and balance during his session. No visible signs of injury were apparent during the workout. Paul also took part in a public training session, where he focused on controlled combinations and defensive movement.

Paul is coming off a unanimous decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. earlier this year. While he absorbed periods of pressure during that fight, he was able to control the pace and go the distance. The win marked another step in his progression against increasingly recognisable opposition.

The matchup has drawn attention because of the different paths both fighters have taken to reach this point. Joshua has spent years competing at world-title level and has faced multiple champions. Paul entered boxing from outside the sport and has built his career gradually, taking on more recognised opponents with each fight.

Most predictions favour Joshua based on his experience and punching power. Haye’s comments differ from that view and have added another angle to the discussion ahead of the bout, which will test whether Paul can succeed against the most experienced opponent he has faced so far.