Anthony Joshua has sparked a backlash from boxing fans after it was confirmed the 36-year-old would return to the ring for a bout with Jake Paul on December 19.
The Briton hasn't competed since losing to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024, on what was one of the worst evenings of his career.
Now, however, Joshua is poised to make a comeback with the heavyweight star to lock horns with Paul in Miami.
The showdown will be broadcast by Netflix, who previously screened Paul's controversial clash with Mike Tyson in November last year.
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But while some fans will be thrilled to see AJ returning, especially after so long away, others have stuck the knife into the Briton and suggested it's a sign that his stock has dropped drastically.
One X user wrote: "Anthony Joshua used to fight proper boxers, how are the mighty fallen! Now, he fights jokers."
A second hit out by saying: "Hahaha, Joshua is really done with boxing."
Anthony Joshua's last five fights
|PA
Anthony Joshua has sparked a backlash from boxing fans after it was confirmed the 36-year-old would return to the ring for a bout with Jake Paul on December 19
|PA
A third blasted Joshua, writing: "Anthony Joshua choosing money over his own legacy and reputation, to fight a YouTuber. Absolute muppet."
Another echoed that sentiment, stating: "Whatever legacy Joshua still had has been rumbled by this fight."
And a fifth fumed: "Absolutely s***e this. Joshua ruining his legacy for a few extra quid."
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Anthony Joshua has not been seen in the ring since his defeat against Daniel Dubois in September 2024
| PAJoshua, meanwhile, has defended the fight.
He's also insisted that he's ready to 'break the internet' by battering Paul, who has long been one of the sport's most-divisive figures.
“I took some time out and I’m coming back with a mega show," said the Watford-born star.
“It’s a big opportunity for me. Whether you like it or not, I’m here to do massive numbers, have big fights and break every record whilst keeping cool, calm and collected.
"Mark my words, you’ll see a lot more fighters take these opportunities in the future. I’m about to break the internet over Jake Paul’s face.”
As for Paul, the 28-year-old is confident he'll be able to beat Joshua and prove that he belongs at the highest level.
Jake Paul is a confident he'll beat Anthony Joshua | GETTY"This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day," insisted the former YouTuber.
“A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime.
"When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears, and no one can deny me the opportunity to fight for a world title.
"To all my haters, this is what you wanted.
"To the people of the United Kingdom, I am sorry.
"On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep. I KNOWWWW YOU GOT EM PICKED HAHAHHA."