In a move that left the boxing world scratching its head, internet sensation turned boxer Jake Paul has once again turned to artificial intelligence to create a viral spectacle. Hours after a tense face-off with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, Paul posted a strange AI-generated video that showed Joshua picking him up and kissing him.
From Miami Face-Off to Viral AI Stunt
The bizarre digital creation came just hours after the two fighters shared the stage at the final press conference in Miami on Wednesday. The event, which featured the entire undercard for the fight, culminated in the traditional staredown. Fans were immediately reminded of the significant physical disparity between the pair, with Joshua holding a four-inch height advantage and an estimated 40 to 50-pound weight difference.
Instead of a serious confrontation, Paul chose to mock his formidable opponent. He behaved like a 'Karen', an internet slang term, and quoted lines from the comedy film Talladega Nights. This left Anthony Joshua, who had earlier told the crowd he was willing to "kill" in the ring, looking visibly confused. The face-off ended without any physical contact, though the underlying tension was palpable.
The Viral AI Kiss That Broke the Internet
Rather than focusing on the press conference, Paul swiftly shifted the narrative online. He uploaded the edited AI clip to his social media with the caption, “I’m the underdog, but daddy always lifts me up.” The video quickly exploded, amassing over 2.7 million views and becoming the main talking point overnight.
This is not a new tactic for the YouTuber-boxer. Paul employed a similar AI kissing video involving Mike Tyson last year to promote their scheduled fight. However, the timing and choice of Anthony Joshua as the target this time surprised many, adding another odd chapter to the fight's promotion.
Maximizing Hype for the Netflix Spectacle
Love him or hate him, Jake Paul's strategy is clear: generate maximum attention. With the high-profile bout set to take place at the Kaseya Center on December 19 and stream globally on Netflix, such stunts ensure all eyes remain on the event. The fight is now poised to be one of the most-watched boxing events of the year on the streaming platform.
The reaction from fans was a mix of confusion and amusement. While some laughed at the absurdity, others were left bewildered by the post's strange nature. Regardless, Paul successfully diverted the conversation from the boxing analysis to his viral antics, proving once again his mastery of the digital hype machine in the lead-up to fight night.
