STWF Sports|Nov. 19, 2025 – Jake Paul has never shied away from shock value, but even for the YouTuber-turned-boxer, stepping into the ring with Anthony Joshua has drawn unprecedented concern — including from his own mother. Paul, who will face the former two-time unified heavyweight champion in a professionally sanctioned bout on December 19 in Miami, revealed his mother’s terrified reaction to the matchup as fears escalate over the fight’s potential danger.

The eight-round heavyweight contest has been widely criticized since being announced. Fans, pundits, and former fighters have questioned the legitimacy — and safety — of pitting a novice heavyweight against one of the most powerful punchers of his generation. Paul, however, remains steadfast in his belief that he can shock the world.

This week, via the Most Valuable Promotions social media channels, Paul continued his theatrical approach in the build-up. Dressed in a Santa suit, he delivered a now-viral video aimed at Joshua, taunting the British star and claiming he would knock him out. But the bravado didn’t carry the same confidence when he showed his family’s reaction to the news.

“Are You Crazy?” — Paul’s Mother Reacts

Paul shared a compilation of friends and family members responding to the announcement, and one clip stood out above all: the reaction from his mother, Pam Stepnick.

Her response was immediate and unfiltered.

“No. Oh no… are you crazy?” she said when told her son would face Joshua.

When Paul pressed further, asking whether she was scared about the fight, Stepnick didn’t sugarcoat her answer.

“No… I’m terrified.”

Her reaction echoes the sentiment felt across much of the boxing community. Joshua, even after more than a year of inactivity, remains a dangerous and explosive heavyweight. Paul, meanwhile, has been a pro for just five years and has never faced a fighter remotely close to Joshua’s level.

Why the Matchup Is Considered Dangerous

Joshua’s résumé speaks for itself:

• Former two-time unified heavyweight champion

• Wins over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Andy Ruiz Jr., and Kubrat Pulev

• One of the most devastating right hands in modern heavyweight boxing

The 36-year-old Brit has consistently fought elite-level competition, while Paul’s résumé has been cherry-picked and carefully constructed.

Paul’s only previous bout at heavyweight was his controversial matchup with Mike Tyson in 2024 — a spectacle that saw him outbox a 58-year-old legend long past his prime. Even in that fight, Paul struggled with Tyson’s early pressure and flashes of trademark aggression.

Joshua, despite returning from a punishing loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, represents an entirely different level of challenge. Even after a long layoff, Joshua’s size, experience, and punching power give him an overwhelming advantage.

Many observers believe Paul is stepping into extremely dangerous territory.

Yet the Money Speaks Volumes

Despite concerns for Paul’s safety, there is no denying the colossal financial scale of the event. Both fighters are expected to earn $70 million each, making it one of the most lucrative crossover fights in boxing history.

Joshua’s star power, paired with Paul’s massive social media reach, has created a spectacle that appeals to both boxing purists — albeit begrudgingly — and global casual fans.

Still, the risks remain clear. Paul is leaping from fighting aging former champions and mixed martial artists to facing a still-dangerous heavyweight with more than 25 pro fights and a history of highlight-reel knockouts.

Paul Remains Confident, Even If No One Else Is

While his mother is terrified and the boxing world remains unconvinced, Paul has made it clear he sees victory as both possible and inevitable.

The buildup will continue, the promotion will grow louder, and the financial stakes will skyrocket — but concerns for Paul’s wellbeing will almost certainly dominate the narrative until the first bell rings in Miami.

On December 19, the world will find out whether Paul’s confidence is genuine… or dangerously misplaced.