Jake Paul recently disclosed the fighter he is most hesitant to face in the ring. His upcoming bout against Anthony Joshua on December 19 has attracted significant attention, with many applauding the challenge. In 2022, Anderson Silva praised Paul, saying he doesn’t receive the respect he merits. Figures like Demetrius Johnson even consider the possibility that Paul could pull off one of the most remarkable upsets in boxing history. However, one top boxer Paul singled out as one to watch is not among those who believe in such an upset.
David Benavidez, an undefeated WBC light heavyweight champion, is someone Paul explicitly mentioned as a fighter he wouldn’t challenge, citing that Benavidez is on a different level. Benavidez respects Paul for taking on what he deems the toughest fight but doubts Paul fully grasps the magnitude of this December 19 encounter. Despite the risks, Paul sees potential gains regardless of the fight’s outcome, saying that his list of fighters he’s unwilling to face is very short.
Paul’s preparation has been intense, with sparring partners larger than Joshua, like Jared Anderson and Lawrence Okolie, helping him gear up. Although Paul sustained an injury during training, he believes the sparring sessions were tougher than the upcoming fight with Joshua, emphasizing his durability and heart. This fight, reportedly earning Paul $70 million, is set to be a significant moment, not just for the boxer but for the sport at large.
Fan Take: This matchup is a pivotal moment for combat sports fans as it pits an unconventional yet highly marketable fighter against a renowned boxing champion, potentially shifting the sport’s landscape. Whether Paul can truly compete at this level or not, the fight is stirring conversations about skill, respect, and the evolving nature of boxing’s competitive hierarchy.
