David Haye leaned back, a slight grin on his face, when asked about Jake Paul’s chances against Anthony Joshua.
Not because he thought Paul had a shot — far from it — but because, in Haye’s eyes, the real story isn’t Paul at all.
“Everyone thinks this fight is about Jake Paul,” Haye told Daily Mail Sport.
“It isn’t. This is about Anthony Joshua. Jake can get in the ring, slip over, bang his head and knock himself out.
But if AJ gives him even 30 seconds of success, he’ll be crucified.”
The Brutal Imbalance of Boxing’s Strangest Blockbuster
Haye points to the uneven stakes: Paul’s job is simple — show up, be brave, and take his moment in the spotlight.
Joshua, meanwhile, faces unforgiving expectations.
Anything short of a clean, early-round demolition would be framed as failure.
“Doing enough isn’t enough,” Haye said. “AJ can’t win in round three.
He has to win in round one, clean, destructive, clinical. He can’t get clipped. He can’t be pushed back.
This has to be his sharpest performance.”
Respecting Paul, But Questioning the Reality
Haye admits a grudging respect for Paul’s courage.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer is stepping into a ring with a former heavyweight champion, a move few would dare.
“I respect the platform Jake’s built, and I respect the bravery,” Haye said.
“The whole world is going to watch this. But the microscope is firmly on AJ.”
Still, Haye doubts Paul’s confidence in the ring is entirely earned.
After seeing Paul take a black eye during sparring with Lawrence Okolie, Haye questions what really prepares someone to face a former world champion.
“If you’re getting bashed every day in sparring, why would anyone believe you can suddenly do something on fight night?” he asked.
Joshua’s Preparation Holds the Key
For Haye, the most compelling aspect of the fight is Joshua’s preparation.
He points to the former champion’s decision to work closely with members of Oleksandr Usyk’s team as a major factor.
“That’s going to get AJ battle-hardened, not just physically fit,” Haye said.
“Sparring guys who might be better than you in certain areas, putting yourself in uncomfortable positions — that’s how you bring the best out of yourself. AJ hasn’t had that in a while.”
Shifting Power Dynamics in Training
Unlike previous camps, where Joshua could choose sparring partners and maintain control, Usyk’s team has upended that dynamic.
He now faces constant challenges, sparring with multiple top-level fighters in live rounds designed to push him to his limits.
“You don’t need conditional sparring where they’re holding back,” Haye said.
“You need live rounds, energy that simulates real fight intensity. That’s how you learn to live in those moments.”
Overcoming Awkward Moments in the Ring
Haye believes Joshua has sometimes struggled once fights get truly intense.
He points to awkward moments in previous bouts, including the Dubois fight, where Joshua appeared uncomfortable when the pressure rose.
“With Usyk’s team, sparring is on point. That’s how you live in the fight zone,” Haye said.
“This is what makes AJ sharper and mentally prepared.”
The Bigger Picture: Joshua’s Future and Fury Negotiations
Beyond the immediate spectacle, Haye sees strategic value in the fight.
A decisive win over Paul could elevate Joshua’s profile for commercial opportunities and bolster his position ahead of potential talks with Tyson Fury.
“A devastating win against Jake Paul helps his negotiations when it comes time to sit down with Fury,” Haye said.
“Two massive fights, close together, big profiles, lots of eyeballs.
Flattening Jake Paul in America also opens the U.S. market for AJ.”
Taking the Fight Seriously: Professionalism Over Risk
Critics argue Joshua risks too much by treating Paul as a serious opponent.
Haye disagrees, viewing it as professionalism and a way to rebuild confidence.
“Treat it like a high-profile sparring session in your mind,” Haye said.
“This helps rebuild the confidence he’s been struggling with.”
Even so, Haye can’t resist a nod to boxing’s unpredictability.
“I’ve actually bet on Jake Paul to win by no contest, draw, technical draw, something crazy,” he admitted.
“Crazier things have happened, but there’s no doubt this would be the biggest sporting upset if he won.”
The Stakes Are Clear
In the end, the fight in Miami is about expectation versus belief.
Jake Paul can rely on courage and a global platform, but Joshua must deliver perfection under intense scrutiny.
For David Haye, that makes Anthony Joshua’s gamble far riskier than Paul’s — and far more fascinating.
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