Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has spoken candidly about the upcoming fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua on December 19, offering a stark warning about Paul’s chances and revealing his own unusual motivations.
Having spent over an hour in the ring with Joshua across two previous encounters, Usyk knows the former Olympic champion’s one-punch power firsthand. Despite his own victories in both bouts, Usyk understands the peril Paul faces in this high-profile clash.
Paul’s Big Test Against Joshua
“If Anthony Joshua wants, he will kill this guy,” Usyk said. “Listen, a lot of questions, blah, blah, blah … Anthony Joshua is an Olympic champion, first. Jake Paul, yeah a sportsman, a YouTuber, a showman. [Anthony Joshua is a] Rolls Royce, [Jake Paul is a] Fiat. Listen, it’s true. It’s just true.”
Usyk pointed out the big experience gap between the veteran heavyweight and the social media star turned boxer. While Paul is confident, Usyk doubts he can win and is mostly concerned about his safety in the ring.
The Ukrainian champion’s prediction emphasizes the brutal nature of heavyweight boxing at the elite level. Paul, who has gained attention for his striking ability and self-promotion, is stepping into the octagon against one of the sport’s most accomplished fighters.
“JOSHUA KILL JAKE PAUL”
Oleksandr Usyk believes Anthony Joshua is a level above Jake Paul and to pray for him as he wants to fight him in MMA!#JakeJoshua | #boxing pic.twitter.com/c2ZBUGwHUc
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) December 2, 2025
Usyk’s Unusual Motivation
Interestingly, Usyk revealed a unique personal stake in the fight. While Paul prepares to face Joshua, Usyk expressed that he is praying for Paul—not as a fan, but because of a potential octagon matchup with the YouTuber in the future.
“Yes, I will pray [for] Jake Paul,” Usyk explained. “Because I want to fight with Jake Paul in the octagon.”
Usyk’s recent activity in the ring includes a dominant performance in July, when he knocked out Daniel Dubois in the fifth round, maintaining his undefeated record at 24-0. The Ukrainian now holds every major heavyweight title, solidifying his position as the sport’s top competitor.
For Jake Paul, the December bout represents his toughest test yet, while for Usyk, it serves as a reminder of the danger Joshua presents and a potential stepping stone toward his own unconventional UFC ambitions.
