Lewis – on Joshua’s Fight with Paul: “Regardless of the Result Jake Will Win”

Former undisputed world champion Lennox Lewis shared his expectations for the duel between influencer and boxer Jake Paul and former Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

“When they said this fight would happen, I thought: ‘What? Seriously?’ This time, it seems to me, Jake has bitten off more than he can chew. He is stepping into the ring against a real Heavyweight. This is a serious fight, not some show — this is a real bout.

He is going up against a person who really knows how to punch. And here we have to give Jake his due: this is exactly what we wanted to see — serious opposition. He chose a serious opponent himself. I see that he is training with a world-class trainer, sparring with real Heavyweights. He is treating this fight seriously and believes that he is capable of doing it.

As for the pressure on Anthony Joshua — it is huge. If he doesn't knock Paul out practically in the first round, everyone will be disappointed. And the paradox is that regardless of the result, Jake will win. But for Joshua, even a victory might not look right if it isn't the way it is expected of him.

I support such bouts when boxers are already finishing their careers. But he [Joshua] is still an active fighter. And if he plans to take this fight, and then fight Tyson Fury — I believe that this is a mistake,” said Lewis.

The bout between Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KOs) and Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) will take place on the night of December 20 in Miami, USA, and will be broadcast on Netflix via standard subscription. You can check the start times of the fight in different regions at the link.