British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua faces a critical test in December. Promoter Frank Warren has issued a stark warning. He insists a loss to Jake Paul would shatter Joshua’s dream of fighting Tyson Fury.

Anthony Joshua is set to meet Jake Paul on December 19. Many view this fight as highly risky, not just due to the opponent. Warren emphasized that Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, must show no hesitation.

“If he doesn’t beat Jake Paul,” Warren told SunSport, “then forget about fighting Tyson. That just isn’t going to happen.”

Warren continued his warning. He stressed that Joshua’s upcoming performance will face intense scrutiny. This is especially true after his difficult loss to Daniel Dubois last year. Joshua was floored multiple times at Wembley. The fight was stopped in the fifth round. This marked one of the toughest nights in his career.

“It’s about how he beats him, if he beats him,” Warren added. “AJ is coming off a significant loss. He was on the floor five or six times in that fight. It was a very tough night for him.”

Despite Joshua’s previous setback, future plans remain in motion. He is slated for a fight in Riyadh in February. A September showdown with Fury is still a long-term target. This roadmap was laid out by Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.

For now, Warren states the immediate task is simple: defeat Jake Paul. “AJ just needs to come through that fight if it’s to take place,” he concluded.

Assessing Jake Paul’s Challenge

This December bout marks Joshua’s first fight since his loss to Dubois. Most observers consider AJ the overwhelming favourite. However, Warren acknowledged Jake Paul’s dedication and growth in boxing.

“Jake Paul has often been accused of picking easy opponents,” Warren noted. “He lacks amateur pedigree. Yet, he is a professional boxer who trains diligently. He works very hard. This fight represents a significant step up for him.”

Warren continued, “Paul is a cruiserweight facing a two-time world champion. Joshua is also an Olympic gold medallist and a powerful puncher. This is a tough challenge for Paul. It will undoubtedly generate massive business. Jake is a huge name in America. He boasts a fantastic, phenomenal following.”