Stop Moving the Goalposts: Anderson Silva Calls Out Jake Paul Critics ahead of Anthony Joshua Match
Anderson Silva has emerged as an unexpected voice of support for Jake Paul’s boxing journey, particularly as the YouTuber-turned-boxer prepares to face heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua on December 19 in Miami. Speaking to MMA Fighting ahead of his own bout against Tyron Woodley on the same card, Silva offered a measured take on the criticism surrounding Paul and the challenge ahead.
Anderson Silva Breaks Down Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua
“When you go inside the ring, everybody has a chance,” Silva said. The perspective carries weight coming from Silva, who faced Paul in the boxing ring in August 2022 and lost by decision. Rather than dismiss the loss or downplay Paul’s abilities, Silva has spent the past three years acknowledging what Paul has accomplished, something many in the combat sports community refuse to do.
Silva’s main frustration centers on the shifting goalpost critics employ when evaluating Paul. For years, detractors claimed Paul only fought hand-picked opponents and avoided legitimate competition. Now that Paul has signed to face Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, those same critics have adjusted their narrative. “Now these people can’t say nothing because Jake is fighting the biggest and most giant amazing fighter and amazing boxer,” Silva said. “And what are people saying now? ‘Oh, because maybe Jake loses, I knew it, it’s not a real fight.'”
The weight class disparity doesn’t escape Silva‘s notice, and he frames it as further evidence of Paul’s credibility. Joshua competes as a heavyweight, while Paul has primarily fought as a cruiserweight. Stepping up significantly in weight to challenge one of boxing’s most recognizable names demonstrates commitment, not desperation, according to Silva. The fact that Paul could potentially face a knockout loss, this is a professional bout with 10-ounce gloves, not an exhibition, makes the risk tangible.
”When you go inside the ring, everybody has a chance, you know, and I respect Jake a lot because Jake proved to every single person how he’s ready to fight, that it’s a real fight. People start talking bad things about Jake, saying he never fights real fighters.
“So now these people can’t say nothing because Jake is fighting the biggest and most giant amazing fighter and amazing boxer. And what are people saying now? ‘Oh, because maybe Jake loses, I knew it, it’s not a real fight.’ Wait a minute – Jake is not the same weight class as his opponent, but Jake comes inside the ring and fights one of the best fighters in boxing. So what are you talking about with Jake? Jake is doing his own job and respecting his opponents and doing the best job. I respect Jake a lot.”
With Silva fighting on the same Miami card, both fighters will have the opportunity to prove themselves against quality opposition in the same venue on the same night. For Silva, it represents vindication of sorts – the boxer who lost to Paul now shares a platform with him, both facing legitimate tests.
The Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua card, billed as “Judgment Day,” takes place Friday, December 19, at Miami’s Kaseya Center and streams globally on Netflix. The main event features Paul in an eight-round heavyweight bout against Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion making his comeback.
Anderson Silva returns to boxing in a six-round cruiserweight match against Tyron Woodley, both former UFC champions stepping into the ring on the same night.
