Deontay Wilder has offered rare praise for Jake Paul, saying the YouTuber-turned-boxer shares his willingness to face opponents far bigger than himself ahead of Paul’s fight with Anthony Joshua.
Speaking at the IBA Boxing World Championships, the former heavyweight champion said he respects Paul for stepping into the ring with Joshua, who is expected to outweigh him by more than 40lb on fight night. Wilder, who has often competed giving up significant size advantages, believes only he and Paul have taken such risks at heavyweight.
“The only person I know that has done what Jake Paul is trying to do with AJ is me,” Wilder said, pointing to his own fights against much heavier opponents, including Tyson Fury. Wilder noted that in heavyweight boxing, size differences can be decisive, with one punch capable of ending a career.
While he questioned whether the bout would be fully legitimate, Wilder added that if it is, Joshua is expected to deliver as the favorite.
