KUBRAT PULEV has scoffed at Jake Paul’s fight against Anthony Joshua – but warned not to rule out boxing’s ultimate outsider.
The YouTuber-turned-prizefighter steps up for an incredibly brave or stupid heavyweight bout against ex-world champion AJ on December 19.
Pulev – the WBA’s secondary “Regular” champ – knows all about Joshua’s destructive power having been knocked out in round nine of their 2020 fight.
AJ’s fight on Netflix has drawn heavy criticism amid safety concerns for Paul – who only turned professional FIVE YEARS ago at a time when Joshua was unified champ.
And Pulev, 44, told SunSport at the IBA World Championships in Dubai: “It’s absolutely not a real fight. Jake Paul is not boxing. He’s not a boxer.
“I think this is more show, it’s not a real fight. But, (Paul) can beat him, maybe. Boxing, anything can happen.
“I can give him advice – just go on the front and be protected. He can have some chance.”
Joshua, 36, is yet to return since his September 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, 28, at Wembley.
Paul, 28, meanwhile is coming off a June win over ex-middleweight world champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 39.
But that was at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lb – FIVE STONE below Joshua’s usual fighting weight.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua – all the info
A true Christmas miracle!
The world will stand still come December 19 as the face of British boxing Anthony Joshua is all set to go up against social media sensation Jake Paul.
AJ steps in on a month’s notice after Paul’s ‘David vs Goliath’ Gervonta Davis clash was axed due to Tank’s civil suit case.
And Joshua will be desperate not to suffer the same fate as legends Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr who both lost to YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul.
Particularly as a handsome figure was negotiated to get this Judgement Day deal over the line due to AJ’s DAZN contract.
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Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: All the information you need.
Although AJ is restricted to a 245lb weigh-in cap for the scheduled eight-round bout where 10oz gloves will be worn.
Paul’s only fight at heavyweight – when he weighed 16st 2lb (227lb) – when he beat Mike Tyson – who controversially made a comeback aged 58.
Pulev meanwhile defends his title against Murat Gassiev, 32, next Friday in Dubai with 20-year-old British prodigy Moses Itauma in line for the winner.
Probed on his chances of beating Itauma, Bulgarian Pulev said: “He’s good. Undefeated, very quick. We will see. It will not be easy, but why not?”
