Joshua vs Paul: Circus Show or Smart Business?

Circus or Strategy? Joshua’s Shock Move to Fight Jake Paul

Anthony Joshua is set to face Jake Paul on 19 December in a professional bout that has stunned both boxing purists and casual fans alike. The fight will take place in Miami and be broadcast on Netflix, marking a new era in high-profile boxing showmanship.

Paul—best known for fighting influencers, MMA retirees, and a 58-year-old Mike Tyson—has never faced an active elite-level boxer like Joshua. This is, undoubtedly, the biggest fight of Paul’s career.

But for Joshua, the question remains: is this a smart payday or a risky stain on his legacy?

Does the Fight Tarnish Joshua’s Legacy?

Joshua, 36, is still eyeing bouts with Tyson Fury and possibly a third clash with Oleksandr Usyk. But facing Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, feels off-script.

“Is it a bit of a circus? Yeah, absolutely,” said former WBA champ Anthony Crolla. “It’s an insane situation… But will I watch it? Probably, out of curiosity.”

Crolla also expressed concerns about injury risks and media hype:

“Anybody who knows boxing can’t allow this to be built up like it’s a serious fight.”

Yet others, like David Price, see little harm:

“People won’t remember AJ for knocking out Jake Paul. Foreman and Ali had fad events. No one talks about them now.”

With Netflix pushing global reach and Joshua reportedly set for a tens-of-millions payday, legacy may not be the priority—it’s about opportunity in a stagnant division.

Boxing’s Business Evolution: Risk vs Reward

Paul’s bout with Tyson in 2024 drew over 108 million viewers, and similar numbers are expected here. For Joshua, who stands in limbo in a stalled heavyweight scene, the financial upside is difficult to ignore.

“If he’s going to drop his level, why not do it against someone who’ll earn him a massive fee with minimal risk?” Price said.

Joshua’s brand and career longevity may actually benefit from this type of media spectacle—especially as fans shift from legacy-driven interest to entertainment-focused viewing.

The YouTuber Era: A Help or Hindrance to Boxing?

Paul beat a 58-year-old Tyson on points a year ago – in a fight which was widely ridiculed and labelled “tedious” in BBC Sport’s report

Since KSI vs Joe Weller (2018), influencer boxing has transformed the sport’s visibility. Jake Paul has become its biggest ambassador, drawing millions—and controversy.

Crolla notes:

“Jake Paul has done a lot of good for boxing, especially women’s boxing. He’s brought new fans in.”

But even supporters admit the cost:

“It does make a mockery of the sport,” Price added. “We’ve seen celebrities knocked out. It looks like a joke.”

Still, the numbers don’t lie—views drive relevance, and influencer boxing is booming. For a younger audience, knockout potential outweighs tradition. And for professionals, paydays are now inextricably linked to spectacle.

“The old-school fighter who did his talking in the ring is sadly a dying breed,” Price laments.

Conclusion: AJ’s Legacy, a New Frontier

Whether viewed as a media circus or strategic brilliance, Joshua vs Paul represents a pivotal moment in modern boxing. For AJ, it may be a detour—but not a derailment. For Paul, it’s the ultimate proving ground.

In an era where content is king and legacy increasingly shares the stage with virality, this fight might not diminish Joshua—but redefine him.