British welterweight Conor Benn has issued a stark warning to YouTube sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul ahead of his monumental fight against former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Benn bluntly suggested Paul should ensure medical services are prepared for the encounter.
The Stakes for Paul's Biggest Challenge Yet
The high-profile bout is scheduled for Friday, 19 December, in Miami, representing the most formidable test of Jake Paul's unconventional boxing career. The 28-year-old American, who boasts a professional record of 12 wins and 1 loss, has built his reputation largely by facing retired mixed martial artists. His sole defeat came against Tommy Fury in 2023.
This fight materialised after Paul's planned match-up with lightweight star Gervonta Davis was cancelled last month due to legal allegations against 'Tank'. Joshua, the celebrated British icon who has headlined multiple stadium shows, ultimately accepted the call-out, setting the stage for a major pay-per-view event.
Benn's Blunt Assessment and Ambulance Warning
Speaking to iFL TV, Conor Benn did not mince his words when analysing Paul's chances. Fresh from his own victory over Chris Eubank Jr, Benn expressed sheer disbelief at the match-up while acknowledging the slim possibility of an upset.
"I'm sitting there thinking 'I beat Jake Paul'," Benn stated. "So if I beat Jake Paul, then I'm sitting there going 'how does AJ not beat Jake Paul'? My head straight away just goes 'have the ambulance ready'. Then part of me goes 'but listen, we live in a world where anything can happen.' So, I give it maybe 10 per cent. He's got gloves, he's got a chin, he's got hands."
The Commercial Savvy and 'Method to the Madness'
Despite his dire prediction for Paul's in-ring prospects, Benn paid tribute to the social media star's business acumen in securing such a prestigious fight. He highlighted the extraordinary commercial journey that has led a novice to face one of boxing's modern greats.
"I think it's incredible how Jake has got himself to this position," Benn admitted. "To fight a two-time heavyweight world champion, the golden boy of British boxing... for him to then be fighting Jake Paul just goes to show how commercially smart Jake Paul is. But then I'm thinking to myself, is he actually that smart? Because then he wouldn't have taken this fight! Or is he seeing something that we're not seeing?"
Benn concluded by pondering the potential mindset of a victorious Paul, suggesting the magnitude of such a win would be unparalleled. "If I was him and I won that fight, I'd be like 'don't even look at me, don't even breathe in my direction'. That would be the energy."
The fight will be streamed live globally on Netflix, marking a significant move for the platform in live sports broadcasting. UK fans can access the stream for free as part of Sky's £15 Essential TV bundle offer.
