British heavyweight prospect Moses Itauma has delivered a blunt warning to Jake Paul ahead of the American’s highly anticipated showdown with Anthony Joshua on December 19, describing the matchup as “suicide” and urging him to withdraw before it is too late.
During a livestream that attracted more than 50,000 viewers, the unbeaten 20-year-old didn’t mince words.
“Jake, please reconsider — this is suicide,” Itauma cautioned, insisting Paul has “no idea what’s coming” when he steps into the ring with a two-time world heavyweight champion.
Itauma, who has sparred with Joshua on several occasions, predicted what he called “the scariest knockout you’ve ever seen,” warning that the YouTuber-turned-boxer is entering a level of punching power far beyond anything he has experienced. With 10 knockouts in his first 10 professional bouts, Itauma stressed that Joshua hits “three times harder than anyone Paul has faced” and even offered to spar Paul himself “to show him real power.”
He went further, questioning whether the payday would be worth it if Paul ends up leaving the ring unable to remember his own name.
Former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye echoed the concerns, urging promoters to cancel the fight entirely for Paul’s safety.
Despite the warnings, the eight-round heavyweight contest remains confirmed for the Kaseya Centre in Miami, with Netflix set to stream the event live. The bout marks Joshua’s return to the United States and is already projected to be one of the most lucrative fights of his career.
Their first face-off in Miami highlighted the stark physical mismatch. Joshua, standing 6-foot-6, towered over the 6-foot-1 Paul, who nonetheless maintained his trademark confidence.
“I just have to avoid that one shot for eight rounds, and I believe I can do that,” Paul insisted. He has repeatedly declared he is “ready to die in the ring” to secure a victory and has even suggested a future bout with Tyson Fury.
Joshua, however, issued a chilling response:
“If I’m going to be honest, I’m going to break his face. I’m going to break his body up. I’m going to stomp all over him.”
