Veteran observers are weighing in, and one of the sport’s most respected voices, Tim Bradley, has offered his candid perspective. The two-weight world champion spoke with conviction on his YouTube channel, breaking down what Joshua’s experience and skill set could mean in a matchup against the social media sensation turned professional boxer.

Bradley’s comments come amid the swirling speculation over whether the fight could be anything but competitive. As the negotiations inch toward finalization, the stakes for both camps—financial, reputational, and competitive—remain high. Boxing fans are left wondering if this will be a straightforward return for Joshua or a storyline with unexpected twists.

What did Tim Bradley say about Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul?

Speaking plainly, Bradley criticized Paul’s mindset while praising Joshua’s credentials. “Is it true? Is it real? Hey, I like this fight way better … They did it again! They got another guy in there that’s a little bit weak minded, one that might even sell his soul a little bit for that money, yeah and go ahead and lay down for Jake Paul. This supposed to be an easy fight for a dude like Anthony Joshua,” he said.

Bradley emphasized Joshua’s pedigree as an Olympic Gold Medalist and his victories over top heavyweights, suggesting the bout should favor Joshua significantly.

Could the fight be ‘scripted’?

Bradley didn’t shy away from controversy. He added that if Joshua somehow does not dominate, questions would inevitably arise. “Shoot if he go in there and be who he is, right, an experienced Olympic Gold Medallist, an experienced fighter that he is, bigger than Jake Paul, stronger than Jake Paul, got more skill than Jake Paul…“

He added: “He’s supposed to serve Jake Paul, but if he don’t go in there and serve Jake Paul then you know what it is guys, our questions gonna be answered, straight up scripted. Straight up WWE … Because Anthony Joshua, he’s supposed to smash Jake Paul.”

As the fight edges closer to confirmation, fans will be watching closely to see if Bradley’s assessment proves accurate. Expectations are high for Joshua’s return, and all eyes will be on how both fighters handle the pressure and skill gap in the ring.

Paul, who has been teasing a December return to the ring, has drawn interest from multiple names, including Nate Diaz and Francis Ngannou. But the latest offer carries a unique edge of history and intrigue, as a former WBO welterweight champion has thrown his hat into the ring for a potential comeback fight.

That name is Timothy Bradley, the man who famously defeated Manny Pacquiao by split decision in 2012 to claim the WBO title. Though he retired nearly a decade ago, Bradley appears to have rediscovered his competitive spark — and he’s not only calling out Paul but also one of his close associates, J’Leon Love.

Could Bradley actually return to fight Jake Paul?

Speaking to Fight Hype, Bradley made a fiery declaration that left fans stunned. “Yeah, I’m getting in shape,” he said. “Two-for-one, it’s still going on. …In the same night, in the same damn night, try me. Call my bluff, bro, for real.”

The former champion didn’t stop there. He reminded fans that his early retirement didn’t come from lack of ability but from choice. “I still got it. I retired early, I still had a lot left in my tank. I can come back and wax both [Jake Paul and J’Leon Love] in the same night. Five rounds apiece.”

Paul’s focus shifts to promotion

While weighing his next opponent, Paul continues expanding his promotional career. His company recently announced Holly Holm’s upcoming title fight against Stephanie Han, with Paul praising the former UFC star for her longevity and impact.

Whether Paul accepts Bradley’s challenge or chooses another high-profile matchup, his December return promises to keep boxing headlines busy.

While both fighters have publicly downplayed the chances of meeting in the ring, former world champion Tim Bradley offered a compelling analysis on what such a matchup could look like. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bradley didn’t hesitate to break down the potential challenges for Crawford.

Bradley highlighted that Benavidez’s size and power would be a serious test for Crawford. “You have the skillset of Crawford and everything else he brings, but these guys have skills too and they’re bigger than him. That’s difficult. Canelo was the perfect size and style for Crawford, but when you start fighting giants like Benavidez who bring the size, volume, stamina, determination to win, the skill along with that,” he explained.

How Bradley sees the fight playing out

Bradley emphasized that Benavidez, currently the WBC light heavyweight champion, would bring both skill and physicality. “Benavidez is willing to walk through the fire to get his way in a fight, making him dangerous,” Bradley said.

He ultimately suggested the fight could be highly competitive, estimating a near-even matchup: “That’s a hell of a match-up. 60-40 either way, 55-45, 50-50, whatever you want to call it, but you never want to count out Terence Crawford, he’s that damn good.”

What’s next for Crawford?

Despite the buzz, Crawford’s coach recently hinted that the superstar might not return to the ring without a massive payday. Analyst Bernie Davis suggested that Crawford could hold out unless offered upwards of $100 million — a sum unlikely outside of another mega-fight scenario like his recent bout with Canelo. For now, the boxing world waits to see whether Crawford will seek another high-profile showdown or take a step back after cementing his legacy.

Errol Spence Jr. (27-0-0, 21 KOs) is the current WBC and IBF titlist. He is actually a survivor, after suffering an almost tragic car accident in October 2019. After defeating Danny Garcia in 2020, he was supposed to star in a mega-fight against Manny Pacquiao but a retinal detachment pulled him out of it. Despite being considered one of the best Pound for Pound fighters, his current shape is unknown as this is his first clash since December 2020.

While in the opposite corner, Yordenis Ugas (27-4-0, 12 KOs), the 54 Milagros, steps into the ring again as the fighter looking to shock the world. The Cuban proved he is capable of doing so after retiring the legendary Manny Pacquiao in 2021. The current WBA World Welterweight Champion could prevent Errol Spence and Terrence Crawford from finally making a fight that fans have been clamoring for for a long time.

Tim Bradley’s prediction for the Spence Jr vs Ugas fight

If there is one respected voice to give his point of view on the Welterweight division it is Timothy Bradley. The two-division World Champion was one of the most dominant fighters of the past decade, as his record of 33-2-1, 13 KOs, makes clear. Bradley has already indicated who he believes will win the clash between Errol Spence Jr. and Yordenis Ugas.

“Spence will be the bigger and faster fighter, and he will be a stylistic nightmare for Ugas. Look for Spence to control the distance and stay behind his jab, not allowing Ugas to counter anything. Unless Ugas lands something big, I see Spence working the body throughout the 12 rounds and getting the unanimous decision win.” shared Tim Bradley in one of his participationsfor ESPN.

“If Spence can use his power and volume punching to make Ugas defensive-minded, he will beat him. Spence needs to throw combinations. Not one shot, not two shots, because that will give Ugas a chance to counter those shots. If he throws three or four crisp shots with technique, he will be able to neutralize much of Ugas’ offense. Spence wins this fight by stepping up to him, high offense, a lot of volume, especially to the body, catch and shoot. Keep Ugas, who has the shorter legs, off balance by constantly punching“, explainedthe Desert Storm.