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World champion David Benavidez cautioned Anthony Joshua to prepare for a “real fight” against Jake Paul.
The two-time heavyweight champion announced that he will face the YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.
Anthony Joshua fights Jake Paul on December 19 in MiamiCredit: Reuters
Jake Paul is a significant underdog against AJCredit: Getty
An unexpected victory for Paul would surpass James Buster Douglas’ notorious win over Mike Tyson in 1990, which is regarded as the greatest upset in boxing history.
Even Benavidez – the WBC light-heavyweight champion and a close friend of Paul – is ready to invest in the most sought-after ticket in town.
The bewildered American, 28, told SunSport: “Honestly, that’s probably the toughest fight he could have chosen.
“He must have a lot of confidence in himself. But Anthony Joshua is Anthony Joshua; he is a three-time world champion and a gold medalist. He’s not someone to underestimate, so this is an exciting fight.
“I think I’m going to buy a ticket. I’ll be there. But as for who will win, I believe Joshua might take it.
“This is going to be an extremely challenging fight for Jake Paul, but kudos to him for taking it.
“This is the toughest fight he could possibly take, and I think he’s demonstrating to the boxing world that he genuinely wants to challenge himself.”
Paul was left looking for an opponent after Gervonta Davis, 30, was removed from their November 14 exhibition due to a civil suit alleging domestic abuse against him.
Thus, Joshua, 36, was contacted by Paul, 28, directly through Instagram DMs before they proceeded.
Paul has only fought at heavyweight once – when he defeated Mike Tyson, who controversially made a comeback at age 58, last November.
He has primarily competed in the 14st 4lb cruiserweight division of 200lb – FOUR STONE lighter than Joshua’s usual 18st fighting weight.
This bout will take place over eight three-minute rounds with 10oz gloves.
The match has already faced scrutiny over safety concerns, and Benavidez is uncertain if Paul fully understands what he is getting into.
Benavidez, who is set to fight Anthony Yarde on Saturday live on DAZN PPV , stated: “I don’t think so. If he did, I don’t believe he would take the fight.
“As I mentioned, Joshua is a dangerous, dangerous fighter. Just because he has been knocked out doesn’t mean he’s not a formidable opponent.
“But as I said, big respect to Jake Paul. This is likely to become one of the biggest fights in boxing over the past decade, solely because of how significant both fighters are.
“Not just Jake Paul in the boxing world, but he’s going up against a great fighter. This is a legitimate fight for both of them.
“So it’s going to be a thrilling night of boxing.”
Jake Paul with Benavidez and his son AnthonyCredit: @benavidez300
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