Anthony Joshua Fight Could Be Jake Paul's 'Last Day on Earth,' Ex-World Boxing Champion Says

Former world boxing champion David Haye has offered a brutal analysis of the upcoming Jake Paul-Anthony Joshua fight, slated for December 19 at Kaseya Center in Miami and streaming live on Netflix.

In an interview with Sky News Sports, Haye questions why the fight happened in the first place. He says Joshua's prowess as a boxer is far superior to Paul's, that if the former YouTuber does anything right in the fight that's a big win for Paul.

But the reality, Haye says, is that Paul will face an opponent unlike anyone else in the ring, and it'll end up being a painful experience for Paul.

"[Joshua's] a completely different specimen. You'll see what he looks like when they stand next to each other. Anthony Joshua's not a bodybuilder. He's a prime athlete. He's someone who has dedicated his life to this," Haye says. "He lives this. He doesn't drink, doesn't smoke. He's a real clean athlete who is going to inflict some horrendous damage to Jake Paul."

Haye Fears for Paul's Life

Haye, a former WBA, WBC, WBO cruiserweight and WBA heavyweight champion, says the December 19 fight is such a mismatch that he seriously fears Paul is one flush punch away from his life coming to an end.

"I hope we've got a referee in there who is quite compassionate because if Jake Paul is left up against the ropes, advantage Joshua unloading on him," Haye says. "It could be the end, literally, it could be his last day on Earth.”

Haye, regarded as one of the best boxers in British history, explained why he doesn't think the fight should have been sanctioned.

"In reality, it shouldn't go ahead because there's no reason for it if you're a commission and your job is to look after the fighters and make sure the medicals are good, make sure this guy is fit to fight this guy," he says. " ... in this situation, Jake Paul is so valuable to the whole infrastructure of boxing [that] everybody involved is going to earn five to 10 times more than they would on any other night of their life."

Haye added, "I hope they have some good paramedics close by because it could be that bad."

Paul Embraces Underdog Role

After Paul and Anthony's comical faceoff, the former YouTuber took to social media to embrace the underdog role by comparing two Los Angeles Lakers stars.

This will be the biggest upset in boxing history pic.twitter.com/FJXySAk0Qb

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 21, 2025

"He's LeBron James and I'm Austin Reaves,” Paul tweeted. "He's had all the accolades and I was undrafted. I respect the legend, but it's my time.”

Paul predicts that "this will be the biggest upset in boxing history."

Joshua, a former WBC heavyweight world champion, last fought in September 2024. He suffered a knockout in the fifth round against Daniel Dubois.

Joshua is 28-4 as a professional, with 25 knockouts.

Paul (12-1) has fought several pro boxers, but none who match Joshua's pedigree and prowess.