Former heavyweight champion questions credibility of blockbuster bout.

Former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder has cast doubt over Anthony Joshua’s upcoming fight with Jake Paul, claiming the bout appears to be scripted.

Speaking to FightHub TV ahead of the December 19 showdown at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, Wilder questioned the legitimacy of the heavyweight clash between the two-time unified champion and the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

Deontay Wilder

“In my opinion, I think it’s scripted a little bit because of the weight difference, and Joshua is active,” Wilder said. “This will be the first time we see Jake Paul fight an active fighter.”

Wilder contrasted the bout with Paul’s 2024 win over a returning Mike Tyson, describing that fight as “fun” but insisting Joshua represents a completely different level.

Joshua and Paul are both expected to earn at least $40 million from the professionally sanctioned eight-round contest, which will be fought with 10-ounce gloves. Under the bout’s rules, Joshua must not exceed 245 pounds.

The matchup has raised safety concerns within boxing circles, with figures such as Nico Ali, Muhammad Ali’s grandson, and former world champion Amir Khan warning that Paul could be putting himself at serious risk.