Jake Paul makes shocking admission ahead of Anthony Joshua boxing match

Jake Paul has been quite honest about his upcoming showdown with Anthony Joshua.

Fight fans were stunned when Mike Coppinger of Ring Magazine reported that Paul would be facing Joshua on Dec. 19 in Miami. The bout was soon officially announced as an eight-round pro boxing match with a heavyweight limit of 245 pounds.

Prior to the bout being finalized, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn told reporters that if Paul wanted the fight, he’d be open to doing business. Despite their past differences , both Hearn and Paul’s team were able to work together to make the bout happen.

In a new video posted on his YouTube channel, Paul discussed Joshua’s accolades while making a surprising admission (h/t MMAFighting).

“Two-time heavyweight champion of the world. An Olympic gold medalist,” Paul said about Joshua. “While he was winning Olympic gold, I was filming Vines in high school. A.J. is a knockout artist with fights that have literally ended in seconds. I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little scared.

“And yes, little Josh is signed to my enemy, Eddie Hearn. I know Eddie and all of you naysayers are saying that I wouldn’t take this fight. Talk is cheap my friends but guess what? You’re not alone. My friends and family couldn’t even believe I was taking this fight.”

Paul had been known to face aging MMA and boxing names. His most recent fight was against International Boxing Hall of Famer Mike Tyson, who was 58 years old at the time. Paul was going to fight Gervonta “Tank” Davis, but he pulled the fight after Davis was faced with a civil lawsuit.

Joshua hasn’t competed since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois back in Sept. 2024. The IBF heavyweight gold was at stake. Joshua hopes to continue his journey back to another title fight, starting with Paul, who will enter their bout as a massive betting underdog.