A rule change implemented by Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions for his fight with Anthony Joshua has become a big talking point, with fans commenting on the potentially game-changing detail during Netflix's coverage.
The rules for the heavyweight fight have been a topic of discussion for weeks. As well as being eight three-minute rounds, Joshua was given a weight limit of 245 pounds for Friday night's contest.
The former heavyweight world champion, who weighed just over 252lbs for his fight against Daniel Dubois last year, made the weight stipulated in the contracts, coming in at 243.4 pounds, while natural cruiserweight Paul was 216.6 pounds.
As well as the above, Jake Paul's chances against AJ were boosted when it emerged that the ring would be 22 x 22 feet, which is larger than the standard 20 feet but still within regulation.
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It is said 'The Problem Child' and Most Valuable Promotions were behind the ring size decision, according to The Independent, who mention that Paul's game plan could include utilising the extra space to move away from 'the more powerful fighter'.
Earlier this week, promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed to IFL TV that the ring size for Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua will be 22x22 feet.
“That [a larger 22-by-22 foot ring] is accurate,” he said. “Pretty standard. I think fights range from 20-foot rings to 24-foot rings. So, 22 feet, I feel great about it.”
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Shortly after super featherweights Jahmal Harvey and Kevin Cervantes kicked off the main card on Friday night, a large number of fans flocked to social media to talk about the size of the ring.
One wrote: "It might take AJ a whole round to get near Jake with the size of that ring," and a second commented: "The size of the ring. Paul will be running around it all night to avoid Joshua."
A third said: "Oiiiiii the size of that ring is ridiculous btw."
A fourth wrote: "Why is the ring for #JoshuaVsPaul #PaulJoshua so big? That’s the biggest boxing ring I’ve ever seen," and a fifth added: "That’s the biggest boxing ring I’ve ever seen sheesh!"
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, Boxing News
Jack Kenmare