Tyson Fury has performed a dramatic U-turn on his prediction for the controversial Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight, now forecasting it will go “the distance” for a points decision. The Gypsy King had previously pledged a £1 million bet on a Jake Paul knockout victory, making his revised call a significant shift just weeks before the 19 December clash in Miami.
The heavyweight boxing world is buzzing with intrigue as Fury, himself navigating a retirement after back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk, weighs in on a fight that many purists view as a pivotal moment for the sport’s credibility.
From Knockout Bet to Points Prediction
Speaking to OOOsch TV, Fury backed away from his once-bold assertion. “I think it’ll be a move-around. A points job,” stated the former world champion. This marks a stark departure from his earlier confidence in the YouTube sensation turned professional boxer.
His initial bravado, which included the hefty seven-figure wager on a Paul stoppage, had framed the fight as a potential changing of the guard. The new, more tactical prediction suggests Fury now sees Anthony Joshua‘s experience and durability playing a decisive role in a distance fight.
A High-Stakes Clash for Boxing’s Soul
The 19 December bout represents more than just a pay-per-view spectacle. For traditional boxing fans, a victory for Jake Paul over an Olympic gold medallist and two-time world champion would be seismic. Commentators like Callum Boyle have suggested anything other than an AJ win would be “catastrophic” for the heavyweight division‘s prestige.
Conversely, for the influencer boxing movement, the mere fact this fight is happening is a victory. As noted by Liam McMillen, any competitive showing from Paul could be spun as a success, highlighting the unique and often divisive nature of this crossover event.
Fury’s Future: Retirement or 2026 Return?
Amidst his analysis, Fury also fuelled speculation about his own career. Despite his retirement announcement following the Usyk losses, he hinted at a familiar pattern. “There’s loads of big fights out there for me if I wanted to come back in 2026,” Fury teased, name-checking potential bouts with Joshua, Usyk, and Deontay Wilder.
This cyclical talk of retirement and return keeps Fury perpetually in the headlines, and his comments on Paul-Joshua are now intrinsically linked to the broader narrative of a heavyweight landscape in a state of unusual flux.
Conclusion: All Eyes on Miami
Tyson Fury’s revised prediction adds a fresh layer of suspense to an already unpredictable boxing showdown. By moving from a knockout call to a points forecast, he implicitly acknowledges Joshua’s resilience while still crediting Paul’s evolution. The outcome on 19 December will not only define the fighters’ legacies but also signal where the balance of power—between sport and spectacle—lies in modern boxing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tyson Fury’s new prediction for Paul vs. Joshua?
Fury now predicts the fight will go the full distance, ending in a points decision, a shift from his earlier bet on a Jake Paul knockout.
What was Fury’s original stance on the fight?
He previously stated he would bet £1 million on Jake Paul to knock Anthony Joshua out.
Why is this fight so significant for boxing?
It pits a traditional heavyweight champion against the figurehead of influencer boxing, testing the credibility and future direction of the sport.
Is Tyson Fury really retired?
While officially retired, Fury has hinted at a potential return in 2026 for major fights against the likes of Joshua, Usyk, or Wilder.
When and where is the Paul vs. Joshua fight?
The bout is scheduled for 19 December in Miami, USA.
