British boxing legend Amir Khan has issued a stark warning to Jake Paul ahead of his heavyweight showdown with Anthony Joshua, suggesting the YouTube star is risking his health for a payday.
'A Mismatch That Could End in Grave Danger'
In an exclusive interview, Khan did not mince his words about the upcoming eight-round professional fight in Miami. "Looking at this fight on paper, it’s like Jake Paul wants to go in the grave quicker than ever," Khan told Mirror Fighting. He emphasised the sheer danger of a natural cruiserweight stepping into the ring with a former two-time heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medallist.
Khan pointed to Joshua's devastating knockout of former UFC champion Francis Ngannou as a chilling example of the power Paul will be up against. "AJ is a guy that can really hurt an opponent," he stated, questioning the wisdom of the match-up.
Paul's Uphill Battle Against a 'Behemoth'
Jake Paul, 28, is moving up to boxing's heaviest division for only the second time in his career. His sole previous heavyweight bout was a decision win over a 58-year-old Mike Tyson in November 2024. While undefeated at the weight, Paul's record has been built largely against ageing MMA stars, with his only loss coming against Tommy Fury in 2023.
Khan believes this fight is a different proposition entirely. "It is a big mismatch, and unless AJ has been told to take it easy on him, then I think there is someone that is going to get hurt really badly," he warned. The Bolton-born fighter even criticised Paul's management, suggesting they were putting money before safety.
Prediction: A Harsh Lesson in Three Rounds or Less
While many predict a first-round knockout, Khan envisions a slightly longer, but no less painful, night for 'The Problem Child'. He forecasts that Paul will survive the opening round to assess Joshua, but will quickly regret his decision.
"I think it is going to go three rounds maximum," Khan predicted. "When Jake feels that power, and the one jab, he is going to be like 's***, I am in the wrong sport.'" He added that the first clean shot from Joshua will make Paul realise the magnitude of his error.
The historic fight, streaming live on Netflix on Friday, 19 December, marks the platform's second major boxing event. Khan conceded that millions will be tuning in with a morbid curiosity, "to see how he gets hurt, how he gets knocked out." Anthony Joshua, 36, has himself stated that only an early stoppage will suffice, intensifying fears for Paul's wellbeing in what is being billed as a must-watch, if deeply concerning, spectacle.
