Usyk Warns Anthony Joshua Could “Kill” Jake Paul in December Showdown

Oleksandr Usyk has issued a serious warning ahead of Jake Paul’s highly anticipated fight with Anthony Joshua on December 19 in Miami, suggesting the YouTuber-turned-boxer could face a dangerous challenge.

The former undisputed heavyweight champion, who has battled Joshua in two grueling bouts, pointed to the vast gap in size and experience between the fighters. Recent weigh-ins show Joshua outweighs Paul by 52 pounds and stands five inches taller, a difference Usyk believes is significant.

“If Anthony Joshua wants, he will kill this guy,” Usyk told Boxing Scene.

Usyk compared the two fighters’ careers, emphasizing Joshua’s accomplishments versus Paul’s rapid rise in boxing. “Anthony Joshua is an Olympic champion, first. Jake Paul, yeah, a sportsman, a YouTuber, a showman. Joshua is Rolls-Royce; Jake is a Fiat. Listen, it’s true. It’s just true… Yes, I will pray for Jake Paul. Because I want to fight with Jake Paul in the octagon,” he added.

Having faced larger opponents himself, Usyk knows the challenges of moving up in weight. He dominated the cruiserweight division before stepping into heavyweight, eventually becoming an undisputed champion twice, often giving away size and weight. Still, he stressed that Paul’s journey is nothing like his own. Before turning professional in 2020, Paul had only one amateur white-collar bout, while Joshua had already secured Olympic gold and unified heavyweight titles.

Recently, Usyk met Paul in what appeared to be a playful hint at a potential MMA fight, though any future plans will depend on Paul navigating what many expect to be the toughest fight of his career at the Kaseya Centre. Paul comes into the bout with a 12-1 record, mostly against aging or limited opponents, with his only loss to Tommy Fury in 2024.