Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua betting tips and predictions – Copybet

Anthony Joshua has been out of the ring since being stopped by Daniel Dubois in the fifth round when challenging for the IBF world title last year.

AJ is plotting a big comeback right back to the top level of the sport, but first he has to navigate his way past Jake Paul.

There is a huge gulf in both physicality and experience in this bout, and Joshua has significant advantages in both regards. The Briton has fought at the highest level for around a decade and is a natural heavyweight with devastating power.

Paul has shown plenty of natural ability as a boxer after arriving late in the sport. The American initially made a name for himself as a social media star before moving into boxing, and he has shown glimpses of talent and is taking the sport seriously.

He may well have bitten off far more than he can chew in challenging Joshua, however, even if the 36-year-old probably isn’t quite the force he was a few years ago.

Paul could find himself out of his depth very quickly and there is a good chance that Joshua won’t need 2.5 rounds to get the job done.

On the other hand, if Paul is to spring a surprise his best chance is likely to come early as the longer the bout lasts the more opportunities Joshua will have to launch a sustained attack. As such, a good starting point here looks to be backing either fighter to get a win in under 2.5 rounds.

The last time Joshua fought a non-boxer, he beat Francis Ngannou inside two rounds and it could be a similar story for Paul.

Paul has more experience than Ngannou but he is a natural cruiserweight who has never faced anyone with anywhere near the power Joshua possesses. El Gallo has of course been sparring heavyweights, but sparring and fighting are not the same thing and he could crumble early on Friday night in Miami.

Joshua may only need one chance, or even what would be a half chance in normal circumstances, and he may get that opportunity inside the opening three minutes so as a bit of an outside bet backing AJ to win in the opener appeals.