Doctor Warns Jake Paul Faces ‘Sloshing’ Health Risk if He Fights Anthony Joshua
A doctor has warned Jake Paul that his health could be at risk if he steps into the ring with former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer is set to face Joshua on Friday at the Kaseya Center in Miami.
The sanctioned fight will run for eight three-minute rounds, with both fighters wearing 10-oz gloves.
Joshua cannot weigh more than 245 lbs (111kg) on the day of the weigh-in, but that is reportedly the only stipulation for the fight.
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That has raised concerns among boxing experts, who fear for Paul's safety in the ring.
Although the American has won 12 of his 13 professional fights, he has never faced a top-class heavyweight in the prime of his career.
Joshua may not have fought since September 2024, when he was knocked out by Daniel Dubois, but he remains a formidable opponent.
At six foot six, the Briton is five inches taller than Paul and has an 82-inch reach compared to Paul's 76-inch.
It is widely expected that Joshua could knock Paul out in the early rounds on Friday - if not immediately.
Writing for BBC Sport, Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn admitted there is "no real defence" of the fight, adding that their strategy is to "knock Jake out asap."
That has raised questions about Paul's health should that outcome unfold.
In 2020, Dr Thomas Di Virgillo explained to The Athletic what happens to the brain when a fighter is knocked out.
He said: "Whenever a fighter receives a hit on the head, the brain moves about in the skull. Some refer to it as ‘sloshing.’
"When the sloshing is severe enough it can cause certain communication pathways within the brain to interrupt/not work properly.
"If the pathways control a person’s consciousness, then it will result in a knockout."
Di Virgillo added that this does not always happen, but it can instead lead to symptoms including dizziness, balance problems and mood swings.
Professor Mike Loosemore added that lying flat after a blow to the head helps protect the brain by maintaining a strong blood supply.
Several professional boxers have issued warnings to Paul about the risk of serious injury if he faces Joshua.
Former two-weight world champion David Haye suggested Paul could suffer "horrendous and lasting damage," while Conor Benn told iFL TV Paul needs to have an ambulance on standby for Friday.
How to watch Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua if you don’t have Netflix
If you don’t already have Netflix, there is a workaround to essentially get it for ‘free’ as part of a bargain bundle.
Sky is currently offering its ‘Stream on Screen’ package - including Netflix, discovery+ and much more - for just £15/ month. It’s Sky’s lowest-ever price and will allow you to watch the big fight live along with Sky Atlantic, Sky Stream and Sky Essential TV.
Browse deals here.
Topics: Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua, Boxing
James Taylor