“I think something is going to happen,” Haye said in an interview with The Sun Sport. “A cut or a no contest, a big clash of heads.”
Haye also speculated that Joshua could be entering the bout with an undisclosed injury. He questioned Paul’s decision to take the fight, suggesting it may indicate inside knowledge about Joshua’s physical condition. Haye did not provide evidence to support the claim.
“Jake Paul could pick anyone else,” Haye said. “Maybe he knows something. Maybe AJ has an injury we don’t know about.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has dismissed those suggestions in recent interviews, stating that Joshua is in strong condition and fully prepared. Hearn has repeatedly said he expects Joshua to end the fight quickly, citing the former heavyweight champion’s power and experience.
In a media workout held earlier this week, Joshua appeared sharp while working the pads, showing speed and balance during his session. No visible signs of injury were apparent during the workout. Paul also took part in a public training session, where he focused on controlled combinations and defensive movement.
Paul is coming off a unanimous decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. earlier this year. While he absorbed periods of pressure during that fight, he was able to control the pace and go the distance. The win marked another step in his progression against increasingly recognisable opposition.
The matchup has drawn attention because of the different paths both fighters have taken to reach this point. Joshua has spent years competing at world-title level and has faced multiple champions. Paul entered boxing from outside the sport and has built his career gradually, taking on more recognised opponents with each fight.
Most predictions favour Joshua based on his experience and punching power. Haye’s comments differ from that view and have added another angle to the discussion ahead of the bout, which will test whether Paul can succeed against the most experienced opponent he has faced so far.
