
Look, I've seen some ridiculous boxing matches in my time. Hell, I watched Roy Jones Jr. fight a YouTuber back in 2020 and thought we'd hit rock bottom.
I was wrong.
Tony Bellew Just Said What We're All Thinking
Former WBC cruiserweight champ Tony Bellew went off on iFL TV about this whole Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua circus, and honestly? The man's not holding back. "It's dangerously insane," he said, and I'm sitting here nodding like one of those dashboard dogs.
This isn't some washed-up grandfather we're talking about here (sorry, Mike Tyson). This is Anthony Joshua - a guy who, despite getting flattened by Daniel Dubois last September, still weighs 18 stone of pure muscle and has been punching people professionally since before Jake Paul knew what a boxing glove was.

The Numbers Don't Lie (And They're Terrifying)
Let me paint you a picture that should scare anyone with half a brain. Paul had to gain TWO STONE just to fight 58-year-old Tyson last November. The kid was so heavy he couldn't even run properly. Meanwhile, AJ was walking around at 18 stone for the Dubois fight - that's still four stone heavier than Paul at his absolute heaviest.
Four. Stone.
Paul's got 12 wins and one loss (thanks, Tommy Fury), but his biggest victory was against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who's 39 and looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. That's not exactly the resume you bring to a fight with a two-time heavyweight champion.
Money Makes People Do Stupid Things
Bellew nailed it when he said "money talks and bulls*** walks." Eddie Hearn's interested, Nakisa Bidarian's open for talks, and Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh is apparently on board. When that much money starts floating around, common sense goes out teh window faster than my diet plans on a Friday night.

But here's the thing - some fights shouldn't happen, no matter how many zeros are on the check.
Canelo vs AJ? Now You're Talking Crazy (But Better Crazy)
Bellew threw out an alternative that's somehow both more ridiculous and more sensible: Canelo Alvarez vs Anthony Joshua. The Mexican superstar fights at 12 stone - seven stone lighter than AJ. Seven!
But you know what? At least Canelo's an actual elite boxer. The undisputed super-middleweight king who's won titles at light-heavyweight and keeps teasing moves up in weight. If we're going to do freak show fights, let's at least make them between two legitimate champions.
Canelo's facing Terence Crawford on September 13 in Vegas, and that's the kind of fight that makes sense. Two legends, both in their primes (relatively speaking), both with something to prove.

Why This Keeps Me Up at Night
I keep thinking about what Bellew said: "It's frighteningly mad. It's scary how dangerous it is." The man retired in 2018, so he's not trying to protect his own interests here. He's just calling it like he sees it.
And what he sees is a YouTuber who struggled to gain weight to fight a grandfather potentially stepping in with a heavyweight who, despite recent setbacks, can still separate your soul from your body with one clean shot.
This isn't entertainment anymore. It's a potential tragedy waiting to happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important does recovery play in boxing practice?
Recovery is essential in boxing because it allows the body to grow and heal. Rest, stretching, sleep, hydration and a healthy diet are all important for a quick recovery. Ignoring your recovery can lead you to overtraining injuries and decreased performance.
How long does it usually take for a boxer to master the art?
The time taken to become proficient in Boxing can vary widely between individuals. It depends on factors like natural ability and consistency in training. With regular training, your basic skills could improve significantly within a few short months.
What should i look for in a boxing studio?
You should look for a boxing facility that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, has experienced instructors and is approachable. It should also have a range of classes to suit all levels, good equipment and positive feedback from existing members. You can also get a better feel for the atmosphere and style of training at a gym by trying out a trial session.
What are the basic punches in boxing?
The basic boxing punches are the jab and cross. A quick, straight strike is delivered with the front hand.
How can I find the best size and type for my boxing gloves?
Size and type of gloves you choose will depend on the activities you are doing (e.g. heavy bag work or sparring). Gloves can be measured in ounces. Many beginners start off with lighter gloves, such as 12oz. or 14oz. for training. As they progress into sparring, heavier gloves are used.
Statistics
- Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
- Around 90% of boxers suffer a minor injury over the course of a year, with only 10-15% experiencing a moderate to severe injury.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
- Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
- Beginner boxers tend to make the mistake of holding their breath in 70% of cases during their initial training sessions.
- An analysis of boxing workouts demonstrates that participants can maintain a heart rate at 75-85% of their maximum, which is the optimal range for cardiovascular training.
- Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
- On average, beginners who undergo proper boxing training can expect to burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per hour.
External Links
How To
Learn how to master the cross punch in boxing
Your next punch is the cross. From your boxing stance, pivot your rear foot, allowing your hip and shoulder to drive forward. During the same time, simultaneously throw your rear-hand straight at the target while rotating your fist to face the ground. Keep your lead hand guarding your face. The cross should be a powerful punch, but balance and speed are vital to avoid leaving yourself exposed.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/joshuas-next-fight-word-is-hes-eyeing-an-olympic-rematch-nobody-saw-coming