Holy crap. So I'm sitting there Tuesday night, half-asleep scrolling through Twitter when my phone BLOWS UP with notifications. Apparently the boxing world lost its collective mind because Anthony Joshua – yes, THAT Anthony Joshua – actually picked up teh phone and called Jake Paul after Jake's ridiculous callout.
Let me back up.
If you somehow missed this absolute circus, Jake "I'm-a-real-boxer-now" Paul went on his podcast and basically said AJ has a glass jaw and no skills. The audacity! This is a two-time heavyweight champion we're talking about, not some random Instagram influencer. I nearly spit out my coffee when I first heard it.
The Call That Shocked Everyone (Including Me)
According to what Jake revealed after the Taylor-Serrano presser, Joshua straight-up called him and said, "I saw you call me out, let's run it. Let's make it happen." Can you imagine being on the receiving end of that call? I'd probably have fainted.
My buddy who works security at these events texted me: "Dude was SHOOK when AJ called. Face went white as a ghost at a family reunion." Classic.
They're apparently targeting 2026 for this showdown. Smart move by Jake – gives him time to write his will.
Weight Difference? What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Listen. Jake weighed in at 16st 2lb for the Tyson fight. Joshua was 18st when Dubois knocked him out in September. That's TWO STONE difference between them!
Back in 2018, I interviewed a boxing trainer who told me anything over a stone difference between heavyweights is basically asking for trouble. I remember spending $40 on drinks that night just to get him to spill more insider info. Worth every penny.
Jake's got balls, I'll give him that.
Did Jake's Mouth Write a Check His Face Can't Cash?
The callout that started this whole mess was... something else. Paul actually said – and I'm not making this up – "He doesn't have a chin, and he has no skill and he's stiff."
About ANTHONY JOSHUA.
God. The confidence of this man. It's either admirable or completely delusional. Probably both.
I watched that podcast clip about 7 times trying to figure out if he was joking. He wasn't.
Eddie Hearn Wants Blood Sooner
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn (who once told me at a press event that my questions were "adorably naive" – still hurts, Eddie) is apparently pushing for this fight to happen THIS YEAR instead of 2026.
Of course he is. Why wait to see your fighter demolish a YouTuber when you can do it immediately?
Jake's business partner Nakisa Bidarian shut that down quick, saying Jake "needs more in-ring experience" before facing Joshua. Translation: "We'd like Jake to remain conscious and breathing for a few more years."
The Canelo and Davis Sagas
Poor Jake. He almost had a fight with Canelo lined up for May 3rd in Vegas before Canelo walked away to sign with the Saudis. Then there was talk about an exhibition with Gervonta Davis – who is SEVEN STONE lighter than Joshua.
I feel stupid now for writing three different preview articles for fights that never materialized. My editor bet me $20 that Jake's next opponent would be a retired NBA player. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised.
Jake says he's announcing his next opponent next week, but he's being tight-lipped after having Canelo and Davis "pulled at the one-yard line."
Whatever happens, this Joshua-Paul saga is the gift that keeps on giving. I'm just wondering if I should start a GoFundMe for Jake's medical bills now or wait until 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role do managers, promoters and agents play in a pro boxer’s career?
Promoters and managers have a major role to play in a fighter's professional life. Managers have the responsibility of managing a boxer’s career, negotiating contract and dealing with his business affairs. They also provide support in selecting the right fights and looking after the boxer's interests. Promoters are more focused on marketing, event organization and attracting sponsorship attention. They also focus on enhancing a boxer’s profile.
How do amateurs progress to professional boxers?
In order to transition from amateur boxing into professional, there is a major increase in the intensity of competitions, training and mental prep. An amateur boxer is required to establish a record of success, usually by honing their skills at local and national contests. A professional boxing licence is essential, as are experienced managers and coaches who can help guide your career and secure professional bouts.
What should you look for when choosing a boxing trainer?
When seeking a boxing coach or trainer, one should look for experience, a successful track record with other boxers, compatibility in coaching style, and a deep understanding of the sport's technical and strategic aspects. A good boxing trainer will also focus on safety, personal growth, and conditioning. In order to reach your potential in boxing, it's important to have a trainer who motivates and communicates effectively.
How important does physical conditioning play in professional Boxing?
Professional boxing demands a high level physical conditioning. The sport demands a high level of strength, speed and endurance. Professional boxers have to adhere to a specific fitness program which includes aerobic, anaerobic, strength, resistance, and flexibility exercises. A boxer cannot train efficiently and perform well in the ring without superior physical fitness.
How important is mental toughness to professional boxing?
In professional boxing, mental toughness is just as important as physical fitness. The sport demands resilience, focus, the ability to handle pressure, and the psychological fortitude to overcome adversity. Mental training involves visualizing, learning stress management skills, and developing the right mindset to take on the challenges inside the ring. Mental toughness is essential for a boxer to be able to perform at their best under the pressure of professional competition.
What is required for a professional boxer to begin?
The essential boxing equipment for someone who is just getting started in professional fighting includes gloves, wraps, a headgear and footwear. A heavy bag, speed bag, double-end bag, and other training aids are important for technical workouts. You should use durable, high-quality equipment to protect yourself from injury.
What are some of the risks involved in professional boxing?
Professional boxing is a contact sport and as such, it carries risks. These include acute injuries such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, and head trauma, as well as potential chronic conditions from repeated impacts, such as concussion syndromes or neurological disorders. The risks can be reduced with proper training, safety devices, and adhering to boxing rules, but never completely eliminated. Boxing professionally requires you to accept and understand these risks.
Statistics
- A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
- Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
- Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
- Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
- Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
- The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
External Links
How To
How to improve endurance in boxing
For a boxing bout to be successful, you must build endurance. Participate in aerobic exercise such as cycling, swimming or running to improve cardiovascular health. Increase your endurance and power by incorporating high intensity interval training. Interval training using a heavy bag where intense punching is alternated between periods of relaxation can also simulate the demands imposed by a boxing bout. Consistently increasing the intensity and duration of training sessions will gradually enhance your endurance.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/the-eubankbenn-blood-feud-25-years-of-bad-blood-explodes-at-tottenham
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