The two-time heavyweight world champion was quick to offer his verdict on Paul after meeting the young American in the Middle East over two years ago
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul revealed two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua was very complimentary of him during a meeting in Dubai two years ago.
Ahead of the pair meeting in the Middle East, Paul was starting to make a name for himself in the world of boxing and had already racked up wins over the likes of Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva. Following his win over Silva, ‘The Problem Child’ opted to take a well-earned break in Dubai.
Paul was also in the Middle East to attend a number of functions and commentate on Tommy Fury’s exhibition bout with Rolly Lambert. As for Joshua, the Brit was in Dubai for training and a holiday. The YouTuber-turned-boxer trained with Joshua’s friend Lawrence Okolie, and later played laser tag with the ex-champion.
Over the years, Joshua has been very complimentary of the YouTube boxing scene and has appeared in videos with the likes of KSI and Joe Weller. The Brit has even attended events himself, including Deji’s showdown with Alex Wassabi two years ago.
In 2022, speaking with Anthony Pompliano on his podcast, ‘The Problem Child’ talked about his meeting with Joshua, saying: “To me that means the most when the legends of the sport are like ‘this kid’s legit and what he’s doing for the sport is great’. It’s easy to get lost in the comments and in the sheep hating on you.
“But then there’s guys like Roy Jones Jr, Evander Holyfield, Tyson, all these legends showing love. Even Tyson Fury, current active champions, or Anthony Joshua. I was just with him and he was singing praises; that to me means more [than online hate]. I haven’t really seen [many boxing legends badmouth him]. Which I guess is kind of the tell-tale sign; if your peers respect you then that’s the most important”.
A year prior to their meeting in the Middle East, Joshua was asked about the young American and his rise in the sport. “[He’s] great for boxing”, the heavyweight said during an interview with IFL TV. “He’s trying, zero amateur experience, throwing himself in the deep end. He’ll probably learn a lot more than a lot of fighters, throwing himself in the deep end, putting himself under pressure. Good luck to him.”
Two years on from their meeting, Paul continues to establish himself as one of the biggest star in influencer boxing. The 27-year-old is currently preparing to take on former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson on November 15 in Texas. As for Joshua, the British star was recently beaten by Daniel Dubois, suffering a devastating knockout in the fifth round at Wembley in September.