JAKE PAUL should be rewarded with a WORLD TITLE fight should he somehow stun Anthony Joshua into an unthinkable defeat.
That is the verdict of David Benavdez’s coach and dad ahead of Paul’s shock December 19 bout on Netflix against AJ.
Benavidez Sr told SunSport: “I think it’s a tough fight for Jake Paul. He chose somebody super hard, a very tough fight.
“And in my opinion, I think Joshua is not at that elite but he could definitely beat Jake Paul because he was a world champion, an Olympic fighter and he does have a lot of power.
“This is what he’s done for all his life. But if Jake Paul can defeat him, he definitely deserves an opportunity to fight for a world title.”
Paul only made his professional debut five years ago – beating a YouTube rival – while Joshua still reigned as unified heavyweight world champion.
In the half decade since, the 28-year-old has built a modest 12-1 record with his only loss coming against Tommy Fury, 26, via scrappy split-decision in 2023.
His only heavyweight fight was last November when he beat Mike Tyson – who controversially returned aged 58 – over eight shorter rounds of two minutes.
Bigger 14oz gloves were also worn but the regular 10oz are in the contract for the AJ fight, over eight three-minute rounds.
But Joshua, 36, will not be able to weigh more than 245lb.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: All the information you need.
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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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Four of Paul’s last five fights have been at the 14st 4lb cruiserweight limit of 200lb and he was 16st 2lb (227lb) against Tyson.
Already safety fears have surrounded the event but Benavidez Sr – who corners and coaches his boy – reckons it’s a win-win for outsider Paul.
He said: “Sky’s the limit and that’s the only way you’re gonna get opportunities, once you face guys that you don’t think are gonna be easy fights, those are real fights.
“So that’s a real fight. So why not try to do something that is gonna change your life and your career?
“I would say let’s go, if you wanna fight him, why not? He’s young, he’s strong and why not take the opportunity? He has a lot to gain, nothing to lose.”
Benavidez Jr, 28, has already twice reigned as super-middleweight world champion and now holds the WBC light-heavyweight strap.
He defends it on Saturday night against Britain’s Anthony Yarde, 34, live on DAZN PPV and a move up to cruiserweight has not been ruled out.
Benavidez Sr said: “The plan is to defend his title, capture a couple of belts at 175 and eventually go to cruiserweight and maybe face Zurdo Ramirez for his two titles.”
