Pecohub Former lightweight champion Katie Taylor has criticised Anthony Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight world champion, for agreeing to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul.
Taylor, the 39-year-old Irish boxing icon widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of her generation, said Anthony Joshua’s decision risks “ridiculing” the sport.
Anthony Joshua, who has not fought since suffering a brutal knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, is set to return to the ring later this month after more than a year out.
Many in the boxing world were shocked when he accepted a bout against Jake Paul.
The pair will face off in a professional showdown on Friday, December 19, in Miami, with both fighters expected to earn up to £70 million each.
“I can’t believe that fight is happening; I’m sure you guys can’t either,” Taylor told Fight Hub TV.
“Jake Paul goes from fighting Gervonta Davis to Anthony Joshua. Jake Paul gets a lot of stick because he hasn’t got a boxing background, but he has got an entertainment background, and boxing is the entertainment business.”
“This is a risky fight for both, but I’d be surprised if Jake Paul didn’t get knocked out,” she added. “Joshua is a huge puncher and a genuine heavyweight.
“If he gets caught with a shot, it’s terrible for boxing and terrible for Antony Joshua. But I respect Jake Paul for taking the fight. I think it’s bad that this is happening, but I don’t have any problem with it because it brings more eyes to boxing.”
