While opinion is split on the mooted fight between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, a heavyweight veteran is completely against the pairing.
Still the current favorite to face off with former two-time champion Anthony Joshua in the Watford star’s return, the polarizing Jake Paul is currently beating out a host of other talents to share the ring with the Olympian next.
But with his limited experience in the ring, it seems the potentially lucrative payday on offer for Joshua in a pairing with Paul will likely swing the bout in the latter’s favor.
However, a perennial heavyweight star believes the pairing is being discussed irresponsibly by a certain British promoter.
Derek Chisora blasts Eddie Hearn amid Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul talks
One of the few heavyweight stars to never share the ring with fellow British star Joshua, perennial contender Derek Chisora is less than sold on the ex-champion’s mooted fight with Paul.
Speaking directly with Matchroom Boxing leader Eddie Hearn, Chisora questioned if the long-time promoter should be holding talks for Joshua to fight Paul later this year — claiming the Ohio puncher is likely to come unstuck in brutal fashion.
“If something happens to Jake Paul, and AJ (Anthony Joshua) smokes him out badly, would you be wiping his a– for the rest of his life,” Chisora asked Hearn during an interview with IFL TV.
“Because he’s gonna get hurt,” Chisora continued. “I don’t wanna see Jake Paul get hurt. I like Jake Paul.”
But while Chisora has voiced his concern for Paul if he shares the ring with Joshua, a former opponent of the latter believes Joshua should actually be the one to worry.
Andy Ruiz Jr. backs Jake Paul to shock Anthony Joshua
Infamously facing Joshua twice during his career, Andy Ruiz Jr. won the WBA, WBO, IBO, and IBF heavyweight crowns with an infamous upset knockout of the British star back in 2019.
And breaking down a potential showdown, Ruiz Jr. has claimed Paul has all the tools to turn in a shocking upset win over Joshua if they do share the squared circle.
“He (Anthony Joshua) can’t take hits no more, but he’s still a dangerous fighter. He’s a heavyweight,” Ruiz Jr. told FightHype.
“I don’t know about Andre Ward fighting Anthony Joshua. I think that’s a hard fight. Jake Paul, I think that’s actually a little better.”