Is Joshua Weighing Two Stone More Than Paul?

In a highly anticipated heavyweight bout, two-time world champion Anthony Joshua will face off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. The unusual stipulation of this fight requires Joshua to weigh in under 17st 7lb (111kg), reflecting the experience gap between the two fighters. As of the official weigh-in, Joshua tipped the scales at 17st 5lb (110kg), while Paul weighed in at 15st 7lb (98kg). This match is set to take place at Miami's Kaseya Center, and it has generated significant buzz due to the contrasting backgrounds of the fighters.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The boxing world is abuzz with the upcoming fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, scheduled for Friday at Miami’s Kaseya Center. The heavyweight clash is unusual because it features a stipulation that requires Joshua to come in under a specific weight limit, a rarity in heavyweight bouts. This stipulation underscores the different stages of their boxing careers, as Joshua is an established heavyweight champion while Paul is still proving himself in the ring. The weigh-in has already sparked discussions about their respective fitness levels and readiness for the fight.

Key takeaways

Anthony Joshua weighed in at 17st 5lb (110kg), while Jake Paul weighed 15st 7lb (98kg).
This fight features a unique weight limit for a heavyweight contest.
Joshua has a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses; Paul has 12 wins and 1 loss.
The fight will consist of eight professional rounds using regulation 10oz gloves.
Caroline Dubois is also on the undercard, defending her WBC lightweight title.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline of events leading up to the Joshua vs Paul fight:

March 2023: Jake Paul begins training for future heavyweight bouts.
July 2023: Anthony Joshua announces his return to the ring, seeking a high-profile opponent.
August 2023: Negotiations begin between Joshua's team and Paul's management.
September 2023: The fight is officially announced for 6 October 2023.
October 2023: Weigh-in takes place, with Joshua and Paul meeting at the scales.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The official weigh-in revealed that Anthony Joshua comfortably made the required weight limit, weighing in at 17st 5lb (110kg), while Jake Paul weighed in at 15st 7lb (98kg). This was notable as it marked Paul's heaviest recorded weight, highlighting his preparation for this significant bout.

What was already established

Prior to this fight, Joshua was already a two-time heavyweight world champion with a solid professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses. Jake Paul, on the other hand, has gained notoriety in the boxing world with 12 wins and 1 loss, largely through his transition from YouTube stardom to boxing.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The fight is generating considerable interest among UK boxing fans, particularly given Joshua's prominence in the sport. The unique nature of this matchup could lead to increased viewership and engagement with boxing, potentially influencing ticket sales and pay-per-view subscriptions for the event.

Businesses and jobs

This event may also boost local businesses in Miami catering to the influx of fans attending the fight. Additionally, the fight could provide a platform for emerging boxers, particularly female fighters like Caroline Dubois, who is making her mark on the undercard.

Policy and regulation

The boxing match is under the regulation of established boxing authorities, ensuring that both fighters meet the required standards for professional bouts. The unusual weight stipulation has raised questions about the regulatory framework for future heavyweight fights, especially as more crossover events between traditional boxing and celebrity boxing emerge.

Numbers that matter

17st 5lb (110kg): Anthony Joshua's weigh-in weight.
15st 7lb (98kg): Jake Paul's weigh-in weight.
28: Total wins for Anthony Joshua in his professional career.
12: Total wins for Jake Paul in his boxing career.
4: Losses recorded by Anthony Joshua.
1: Loss recorded by Jake Paul.

Definitions and jargon buster

Heavyweight: A boxing weight class for fighters weighing over 200 pounds (90.7 kg).
Weigh-in: The official measurement of a boxer's weight before the fight.
WBC: World Boxing Council, one of the major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing.
Professional bout: A boxing match in which the participants are paid for their performance.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans should keep an eye on the fight's outcome and any subsequent announcements regarding future bouts for both Joshua and Paul. The outcome of this fight could significantly impact their careers moving forward.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Depending on the results, Joshua may seek to reclaim his title ambitions, while Paul could aim to solidify his standing in the boxing world with more serious opponents. This fight may also influence the trajectory of women's boxing, particularly for fighters like Dubois.

Signals to watch

Post-fight interviews and analyses from boxing experts.
Future fight announcements from both Joshua and Paul.
Performance reviews and breakdowns of the fight strategy used by both fighters.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow the fight and post-fight commentary for insights into both fighters' performance.
Engage with boxing communities online to discuss the implications of the fight.
Keep track of upcoming events featuring emerging fighters, especially in women's boxing.

Don’t

Underestimate the potential impact of celebrity boxers like Paul on the sport.
Neglect the importance of weight classes in professional boxing.
Miss out on the opportunity to support local businesses surrounding major boxing events.

Checklist

Check the fight schedule for timings and broadcast details.
Research both fighters’ backgrounds and previous matches.
Follow social media updates from boxing analysts and commentators.
Engage with live discussions during the fight.
Stay informed about the outcomes of undercard fights, especially women's matches.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As with any high-profile boxing match, there are uncertainties regarding the outcome and potential injuries that could arise during the bout. The crossover nature of this fight may also lead to unforeseen challenges, particularly in terms of public perception and regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, the weight stipulation raises questions about how both fighters will adjust their strategies in the ring.

Bottom line

The upcoming fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul represents a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers. For Joshua, it's an opportunity to reaffirm his dominance in the heavyweight division, while for Paul, it's a chance to solidify his status as a legitimate boxer. As the boxing landscape continues to evolve, the results of this match could have far-reaching implications for the sport, particularly in bridging the gap between traditional boxing and celebrity influence.

FAQs

What is the weight limit for the Joshua vs Paul fight?

The fight features a weight limit of 17st 7lb (111kg) for Anthony Joshua, while Jake Paul weighed in at 15st 7lb (98kg).

How many rounds will the fight consist of?

The bout is scheduled for eight professional rounds, using regulation 10oz gloves.

What are the records of Joshua and Paul?

Anthony Joshua has a professional record of 28 wins and 4 losses, while Jake Paul has 12 wins and 1 loss.