Anthony Joshua Draws Bold Comparison: Jake Paul Has Shades of Mayweather Because He Keeps Running

A Surprising Comparison From a Heavyweight Star

When a heavyweight champion like Anthony Joshua speaks, the boxing world tends to listen. Known for his calm demeanor and analytical approach to the sport, Joshua rarely throws careless comments. So when he suggested that Jake Paul shares similarities with Floyd Mayweather Jr. — not for skill level, but because of the way Paul “runs” around the ring — fans and analysts immediately took notice.

The statement sparked debate across boxing communities. Was Joshua criticizing, complimenting, or simply observing a developing pattern in Paul’s style?

To understand the comment, it helps to look deeper — not only at Jake Paul’s approach to fighting, but also at what made Mayweather’s elusive style so effective.

What Joshua Really Meant by “Running”

In boxing, “running” is a loaded word.

To some fans, it means avoiding a fight, backing away, and refusing to engage. To seasoned fighters and coaches, it can mean something entirely different: ring IQ, timing, patience, and strategic movement.

Joshua’s observation seems to sit somewhere between those two interpretations.

He didn’t say Paul is Floyd Mayweather. Instead, he highlighted that Paul tends to rely heavily on footwork, distance control, and movement to avoid punishment — strategies that Mayweather mastered across his legendary career.

Where critics see avoidance, Joshua sees a deliberate tactic: survive, frustrate the opponent, and wait for opportunities.

For someone like Jake Paul — still relatively new to professional boxing — movement can be a valuable survival tool. But unlike Mayweather, whose defense and counterpunching were precise and calculated, Paul is still learning how to balance movement with meaningful offense.

Jake Paul’s Style: Evolving, but Still Controversial

Jake Paul’s transition from YouTuber to professional boxer has been one of combat sports’ most polarizing journeys.

Supporters argue that Paul respects the sport, trains seriously, and has shown improvement with every bout. Critics insist that his opponents, matchmaking, and promotion are carefully curated to protect his image.

Joshua’s comparison highlights something important: Paul is beginning to adopt more defensive principles rather than always chasing knockouts.

In recent fights, Paul has:

• Used longer stretches of lateral movement
• Clinched strategically when pressured
• Tried to fight behind a jab
• Chosen moments to engage instead of brawling

This is exactly the type of discipline that separates amateurs from professionals.

But there’s still a major difference. Mayweather used movement not just to escape, but to set up counters, control rhythm, and mentally break opponents. Paul’s use of “running,” as Joshua described, can sometimes look more reactive — an instinct to avoid danger rather than a fully formed strategy.

The Mayweather Standard: Defense as an Art Form

Floyd Mayweather Jr. built his legacy on defense.

He frustrated punchers, shut down aggressive fighters, and made elite boxers miss wildly. Many fans criticized him for being “boring,” but experts praised his brilliance. He mastered:

• Shoulder roll defense
• Distance manipulation
• Counterpunch timing
• Footwork that subtly reset the fight’s tempo

Calling someone “like Mayweather” because they move a lot can sound insulting — but in truth, it’s also acknowledging the importance of defense.

Joshua’s point may actually be this:

Great fighters know when not to get hit.

Paul appears to be learning that lesson — though he has a long way to go before such comparisons can be taken literally.

Why Joshua’s Opinion Matters

Anthony Joshua is not only a world champion — he’s a student of the sport.

His own career has gone through phases: explosive offense early on, tactical reinvention after tough losses, and an increased focus on patience and control. Joshua understands reinvention and adaptation.

By mentioning Jake Paul and Mayweather in the same sentence, he invites conversation about where celebrity-boxing fits into the larger world of professional boxing.

Joshua isn’t dismissing Paul outright. Instead, he is acknowledging:

• Paul trains seriously
• Paul is learning defensive discipline
• Paul is studying real boxing strategy

But he’s also subtly reminding fans that there is a difference between learning movement and mastering the art of it.

Fans React: Praise, Criticism, and Plenty of Debate

Predictably, reactions online were intense.

Some fans laughed at the comparison, saying Paul doesn’t belong in any discussion involving Mayweather. Others appreciated Joshua’s perspective, arguing that boxing should give newcomers credit when they show progress.

What nearly everyone agreed on is this:

Jake Paul has brought attention, money, and new audiences to boxing — and that alone makes him impossible to ignore.

Joshua’s comment didn’t just critique Paul. It acknowledged his impact, growth, and relevance in the sport.

Final Thoughts: Movement, Strategy, and the Future of Jake Paul

Whether fans see Jake Paul as a legitimate boxer or a clever entertainer, his style is evolving — and top fighters are noticing.

Anthony Joshua’s comparison was not meant to crown Paul as the next Mayweather. Instead, it highlighted a simple truth: boxing isn’t only about power and aggression. It’s also about patience, footwork, and staying safe.

If Paul continues refining those tools, he may surprise even more critics.

And if nothing else, Joshua’s statement proves that Jake Paul has officially entered a space where elite fighters feel his journey is worth analyzing — which may be the biggest win of all.