Anthony Joshua, Jake Paul set to clash in controversial bout despite weight concerns

Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua will carry a massive weight advantage into his controversial boxing bout against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in Florida on Friday.

However, the event has drawn criticism for the perceived risks faced by Paul, with Joshua's long-time promoter Eddie Hearn describing the bout as a "catastrophic mismatch" before contracts were even signed.

Appearing at Thursday's weigh-in for the fight in Miami, Joshua tipped the scales at 243.4 pounds (110 kilograms, 17 stone five pounds), nearly 30 pounds heavier than Paul, who came in at 216.6lbs (98kg, 15 stone seven pounds).

The staggering weight difference has triggered safety fears throughout the boxing world.

‘Not approved’

The British Board of Control has said it would not have approved the fight, taking place at the Kaseya Center in Miami, USA, on safety grounds. Other fighters have warned that given the gulf in class, physical size, and talent, Paul risks serious injury.

Other voices in the boxing world, though, have issued warnings.

Amir Khan, Britain's former light-welterweight champion, said a crushing victory for Joshua may even have lasting implications for boxing.

"I think this could be the end of YouTubers jumping in with real active fighters," Khan told the Daily Mail. "Because it only takes one shot. One bad night, one clean shot, and someone can get seriously hurt.

Power and size

Khan believes Paul will have no chance if Joshua makes full use of his physical advantages and superior ringcraft, as he did when inflicting a devastating second-round knockout of novice boxer Francis Ngannou last year.

"AJ can bang," Khan said. "He's a former world champion. He's got power, size, everything. If he lands clean, the damage he can do is scary. Especially when he is landing it on someone like Jake Paul. He's not capable of taking that sort of power."

Paul, whose limited ring record includes 12 wins and one defeat with seven knockouts, insists he is ready to shock the world while acknowledging his ambitions are "delusional."

"I like to challenge myself against the best. We're going to go to war and the best man will win," Paul said last month.

The eight-round fight, which will be streamed live, will reportedly see the two men split a purse of $184 million, making it one of the most lucrative boxing events in history.