Boxing writer Steve Bunce says Anthony Joshua accepted an offer he “simply couldn't refuse” to take on Jake Paul. The former two-time unified heavyweight champion will meet the YouTuber-turned-boxer at Miami's Kaseya Center on 19 December in an eight-round contest of three-minute rounds, with both men using regulation 10oz gloves. Joshua, 36, who has weighed over 250lb in his last three fights, must weigh in under 245lb for this bout.
Bunce described the matchup as “ridiculous” and called 28-year-old Paul a “novice,” but he acknowledged the clear financial logic: Joshua is reportedly set to earn about £36.9m ($50m). Bunce pointed to Paul's high-profile November fight with Mike Tyson — which drew huge global audiences and big purses — as the commercial engine behind the event. “That’s the reason this fight is happening,” Bunce told BBC Radio 5 Live. “AJ has been made an offer he simply couldn't refuse and he's accepted.” He added that if the payday funds Joshua’s community work and secures his future, there is little objection.
Bunce said Joshua remains in talks about a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, and suggested the Paul fight represents one of AJ’s final major paydays desp
