On the 12th of November it was revealed former heavyweight boxing world champion Anthony Joshua and social media superstar turned pro fighter, Jake Paul, were finalising a deal for a fight on Netflix in December.
Mike Coppinger of Ring Magazine broke the news, revealing that the move to make the super-fight was made after Paul’s exhibition bout against Gervonta Davis, which was originally scheduled to take place on Friday, was cancelled amid ‘Tank’s apparent legal issues.
Although the idea of a potential fight between ‘AJ’ and ‘The Problem Child’ has been floating around the boxing world for quite some time, it has never really been taken that seriously, because Paul has a history of calling out serious, active fighters, only to not end up fighting them. Now that there finally seems to be substance to the talk of a potential fight being close to completion, fans have taken to social media to express their feelings.
Boxing Fans React to Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul Rumor
It didn’t take long for boxing fans to react to the news that Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul are finalising a deal for a fight on Netflix. Although there are several fans on social media who are happy the fight is happening, with one fan posting to X, it is a “much better” match-up than Paul vs Gervonta Davis, the general reaction has been that the fight shouldn’t be happening.
Other fans, though, expressed genuine concern for Paul’s health and well-being.
Check out some of the posts below:
Anthony Joshua is Facing Backlash From Boxing Fans
Although Anthony Joshua will get paid an incredible amount of money if his fight against Jake Paul materialises, his reputation in the boxing world amongst fans may take a hit. ‘AJ’ is one of the most accomplished and respected heavyweight fighters of this era, but he is already receiving negative comments from fans for even entertaining a fight against the social media superstar.
One fan took to X to write, “I can’t believe this s***, I’m done with AJ,” with another writing, “With all due respect, you’re better than this.”
Some fans also brutally took to social media to post the following:
As previously mentioned, although this fight will do wonders for Joshua financially, he may be looked at as a lesser fighter by hardcore fans.