STWF Sports|Nov. 19, 2025 – With the boxing world still reeling from the announcement of Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua, former world champion David Haye has issued a chilling warning: the fight could leave Paul permanently injured — or even cost him his life.

Paul, 28, will meet Joshua in a professionally sanctioned heavyweight bout on December 19 in Miami, a matchup many believe stretches beyond the limits of competitive viability. Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, boasts knockout power and elite-level experience. Paul, despite improving rapidly since transitioning from YouTube to boxing, remains a novice by comparison.

Haye, a former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion known for his own knockout prowess, minced no words when assessing the matchup.

“Joshua is a real clean athlete who is going to inflict some horrendous and lasting damage to Jake Paul,” Haye told reporters.
“If Jake Paul is left up against the ropes with Anthony Joshua unloading on him, it could be the end for him. It could be his last day on earth. In reality, it shouldn’t go ahead.”

His stark warning echoes the widespread criticism that immediately followed the announcement of the fight, as fans and analysts questioned why a bout with such a glaring mismatch was sanctioned at all.

Safety Concerns Surround Sanctioning of the Fight

While the Florida Athletic Commission has approved the fight as a professional contest, backlash has grown across the boxing community. Many observers believe the risk to Paul is unusually high given Joshua’s proven ability to score devastating knockouts against world-class opposition.

Joshua’s résumé includes victories over Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Kubrat Pulev, and Andy Ruiz Jr. — fighters who have spent years competing at the top of the sport’s heavyweight elite.

Paul, by contrast, has just one professional bout at heavyweight: his controversial matchup against a 58-year-old Mike Tyson, who was long removed from his prime. Even in that fight, Paul had difficulty absorbing Tyson’s early pressure.

The disparity is so stark that even Paul’s own mother admitted this week that she is “terrified” about her son stepping in with Joshua.

Rules Offer Protection — But Not Guarantees

The fight will take place under standard Queensberry rules:

• Eight rounds

• 10oz gloves

• A licensed referee with the authority to stop the fight

• Full medical scrutiny before the bout

As with all professional contests, Paul must pass rigorous neurological and cardiovascular checks before being cleared. Sparring will also prepare him for heavyweight power — but nothing truly replicates taking punches from a prime Joshua.

Even with regulations in place, the risk remains significant.

Haye emphasized that while athletic commissions implement safety protocols, they cannot eliminate the danger when fighters are badly mismatched.

Jake Paul Fully Aware of the Risk — and Embracing It

Paul, however, isn’t shying away from the danger. In fact, he’s leaning into it. Known for his brash persona, he has already begun taunting Joshua and promising a historic upset.

“A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime,” Paul said.
“When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears. To all my haters — this is what you wanted. On December 19 in Miami, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep.”

Paul believes a victory over Joshua would erase criticism that his career has been carefully managed. He has repeatedly expressed a desire to fight for a world title, and defeating Joshua would instantly place him in the heavyweight conversation.

However, critics argue that ambition cannot replace decades of elite heavyweight experience.

Joshua’s Return — and a Dangerous Challenge for Paul

Joshua, who has not fought since a brutal defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, will enter the ring motivated to reestablish himself at the top of the division. Even after a brief layoff, he brings world-class conditioning, technique, and explosive power that Paul has never faced.

As the countdown to December 19 continues, one question will overshadow every press conference and every training clip:

Is this fight a bold challenge — or a dangerous step too far?

For David Haye, the answer is already clear.