Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua ‘should not be sanctioned or licensed’ – but here’s why it’s still going to happen

talkSPORT’s Gareth A. Davies has asserted that a potential fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua ‘should not be sanctioned.’

However, he still believes the massive crossover clash will take place, while boxing agent Sam Jones has tipped it to be the most watched bout in boxing’s history.

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Joshua hasn’t fought since September 21, when he was knocked out by Daniel DuboisCredit: Getty

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While Paul has captured the world’s attention from his bouts, most notably against Mike TysonCredit: Esther Lin/MVP

Paul, 28, expressed his desire to meet Joshua in the ring after outpointing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in his last fight in June.

And the rumours of the pair fighting have only grown in recent weeks, given the involvement of Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.

Last month, former WBA super-middleweight champion George Groves told talkSPORT that he would rather ‘AJ’ go into retirement if the Brit decides to fight anyone but Tyson Fury.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Fight Night on Saturday night, Davies and Jones discussed the potential meeting of Paul and Joshua, and both men certainly made a point.

“I do not believe this fight should be sanctioned or licensed because it’s not safe for Jake Paul,” Davies said simply.

“We are looking at an area-level cruiserweight/heavyweight. An area-level, a local area, UK level, British level fighter.

“He’s already lost to Tommy Fury, who is very much a near-fight boxer.

“So, in safety terms, I don’t think it should be sanctioned. In promotional terms, it is so unmissable. It will probably make so much money.

“This fight, in my view, is going to happen.” 

Jones was offered the floor to give his thoughts on the situation and explained why the bout is, in fact, so consequential.

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Boxing agent Jones said ‘AJ’ vs Paul would be the most viewed fight in the sport’s historyCredit: Getty

“Listen, if the Jake Paul fight happens for Anthony Joshua, people will complain like they always do,” he said.

“But it will be the most viewed fight probably in the history of boxing.

“The main reason I would tune into this, and it sounds strange, but do you remember Simon Cowell on Britain’s Got Talent?

“When he used to say, when a magician came on and locked himself in a water box and had to escape it — it was the jeopardy.

“I want to watch it because of the sheer jeopardy of that fight… It’s car crash TV.

“And listen you want Jake Paul to be safe no matter what you think of the guy.

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Paul vs Joshua would be watched by millions around the worldCredit: Getty

“You want him to be safe, but there’s real jeopardy in that fight. Like getting hit by Tommy Fury and Julio Cesar Chavez [Jr], compared to getting hit by a right hand from Anthony Joshua.”

Jones concluded by insisting he believes Paul is ‘mad enough’ to think he can win a fight against Joshua, which is why he thinks it will happen.

Paul has reportedly already agreed to a 99-1 purse split with Joshua, meaning he will receive just one per cent of the total prize pot.

Paul pocketed around $40million to fight Mike Tyson last November, but wouldn’t come anywhere near that sum if those reports are accurate.

On the other hand, Joshua could receive one of the biggest purses in boxing history through a fight with Paul.

He could make well and beyond eight figures for a man who made his boxing debut only five years ago, so it’s understandable why ‘AJ’ may act upon Paul’s desires.