Andrew Tate claims he had role in Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua
Andrew Tate believes he inspired Jake Paul to take on former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua.The YouTuber-turned-boxer is set for his toughest test as a professional yet when he faces Joshua on Friday night in Miami, Florida. Paul has not fought since his decision win over ex-world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr back in June. Since making his professional debut back in 2020, the 28-year-old has largely padded his CV with wins over MMA legends.In November 2024, the 'Problem Child' won - but famously went the distance with Mike Tyson. He was due to take on Gervonta Davis last month, but cancelled the event after his rival was accused of battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping by an ex-girlfriend.Prior to the cancelled clash with 'Tank,' many hit out at Paul for calling out a fighter 70lb lighter than him. In a bid to stay active, the American called out the likes of Joshua and Francis Ngannou for a fight in December. Tate believes he had something to do with the social media sensation's decision to call out the two heavyweight behemoths.Watch Jake vs Joshua live on Netflix for freeThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreAnthony Joshua and Jake Paul will face off for a heavyweight clash in Miami on December 19. The fight will stream live on Netflix, which fans can get for free with Sky's £15 Essential TV bundle, the brand's 'lowest ever price' for Sky TV."Jake is doing the brave thing. I took this fight (Chase DeMoor) against a guy who is bigger than me, younger than me, taller than me, more active than me," he told Boxing King Media. "And a lot of that was to clown on Jake. A lot of that was to say you are fighting old men and and people who are too small. And then he instantly decides to fight Anthony Joshua. So, maybe he read my mind. Maybe I kind of forced him into it. Maybe he sat there and thinks 'oh s***, Tate's fighting and he is doing it for real against, big, active, heavyweights. I cannot get away with this anymore if I want to sell tickets.' I do not know. So, perhaps I inspired his decision."The controversial influencer does give Paul some credit for accepting the fight with Joshua and hopes that the pair come away unscathed. "However, fair play to him. I have nothing bad to say about the guy. I have met Jake a few times. I know Jake.READ MORE: Anthony Joshua makes 'money grab' admission about Jake Paul fightREAD MORE: Jake Paul tells Anthony Joshua he has made mistake before fight"He is a good guy. He is a nice guy and I wish him the best. I hope he gets out there healthy. Same with AJ. Hope they have a fantastic fight and huge credit and full respect for him taking it, but I think I may have had something to do with that."With Paul and Joshua set to go head-to-head this Friday, their clash will come just a day before Tate's highly-anticipated Misfits Boxing debut. The 'Top G' - who still faces criminal charges, including for rape in the UK - will take on reigning heavyweight champion Chase DeMoor over in Dubai.
