Ryan Garcia revealed how much money he would bet that Jake Paul will lose to Anthony Joshua

After Jake Paul’s planned exhibition bout with Gervonta Davis collapsed because of Davis’s history of violence, the YouTuber turned professional boxer announced last week that he would instead step into the ring with former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at Miami’s Kaseya Center on December 19. In an interview with Covers.com in November, Ryan Garcia was adamant that the upcoming bout will not end well for the “Problem Child.”

“I would (figuratively bet) $300 million on Anthony Joshua’s win, and I would (actually bet) 100K,” Garcia said. “That’s how confident I am.”

Paul’s record and range of opponents

Paul has put together a successful professional boxing career, albeit against opponents of wildly varying caliber. So far, they have ranged from former NBA player Nate Robinson to the iconic Mike Tyson, who ended a 19-year retirement to fight Paul at the age of 58.

The Ohio native currently holds a 12-1 record, with his only loss coming to Tommy Fury in February 2023. Garcia, though, is adamant that will change next month.

Garcia sees a quick finish

“I think Anthony’s gonna take it like a real fight,” he explained. “Maybe he just feels him out the first round, and then knocks him out the second round. Or he just catches him straight away. I don’t see it going past three. Never fight a dude that tall.”

Will Paul vs Joshua even happen?

That is if Paul and Joshua even make it to the ring. “I said on Twitter that it wouldn’t happen, or I’d say it’s very unlikely,” Garcia continued. “I think the closer to the fight, when that doubt comes creeping in, Jake might find a way out. That’s how I see it. Possibly. But I’ll believe it when they’re in the ring because this seems too surreal.”

How much Ryan Garcia turned down to fight Jake Paul

Garcia, who usually fights at welterweight and lightweight, also revealed that he had turned down a big-money offer to face Paul in what would be a highly unusual matchup. “I had $20 million offered. I went with Barrios for less, so that’s to show you right now, I’m not even worried about that right now. And that’s a stupid matchup for me. He’s 220 pounds. I’m not going to let this dude think he’s that good because he’s a heavyweight and trying to fight 135 pounders.”

But that is not to say there is no number that could convince the Californian to step into the ring with the YouTube star. “I definitely would consider it ($70 million, the figure reportedly offered to Joshua),” Garcia said. “I’d be stupid if I didn’t. It’s insane (that they offered AJ $70 million and Garcia $20 million), that was the first offer. I wasn’t gonna accept that. But who knows? Maybe I would still deny the 70 million.”

Related stories

UFC

Ex-UFC fighter arrested with nearly $2 million worth of cocaine and weapons

MMA

Topuria shines in spectacular end to year

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.