World champion David Benavidez has issued a stark warning to Anthony Joshua, insisting the British heavyweight star should prepare for a “real fight” when he meets Jake Paul on December 19 in Miami.
Joshua, the former two-time heavyweight champion, shocked the boxing world by announcing a blockbuster showdown against the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a bout that will headline Netflix’s growing slate of live sports broadcasts. The eight-round contest will be fought with standard 10oz heavyweight gloves.
For Paul, a victory over Joshua would eclipse even James Buster Douglas’ legendary 1990 upset of Mike Tyson, widely regarded as the biggest shock in boxing history. And even Benavidez — the reigning WBC light-heavyweight champion and one of Paul’s closest friends — admitted he plans to buy a ticket for what he calls “the hardest fight Jake could have chosen.”
Speaking to SunSport, the undefeated American said:
“To be honest with you, that’s probably the hardest fight he could’ve chose. He must be really confident in himself. But Anthony Joshua is Anthony Joshua — a three-time world champion, a gold medalist. He’s not a man to play with. It’s an exciting fight.”
Benavidez, 28, believes Joshua is the likely winner but applauds Paul’s ambition:
“I think Joshua might win. This is going to be an extremely hard fight for Jake Paul, but big ups to him for taking it. He’s showing the world of boxing that he really wants to challenge himself.”
Paul was originally due to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis in a November 14 exhibition, but that bout was scrapped after Davis was hit with a civil lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend alleging severe domestic abuse.
Shortly after, Paul turned directly to Joshua via Instagram DMs — and within days, one of the most unexpected fights of the decade was signed.
Paul has boxed at heavyweight only once, defeating 58-year-old Mike Tyson in a controversial exhibition last year. For most of his career, Paul has competed at cruiserweight (200lb), a full four stone lighter than Joshua’s usual 18st frame.
For their Miami clash, Joshua will be capped at 245lb. The fight is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds.
Safety concerns have already been raised given the massive physical disparity, and even Benavidez doubts Paul truly understands the danger:
“I don’t think so. If he did, I don’t think he would take the fight. Joshua is a dangerous, dangerous fighter. Just because he’s been knocked out doesn’t change that.”
Benavidez, who headlines his own fight against Anthony Yarde this Saturday live on DAZN PPV, believes the star power of both men makes this matchup monumental:
“This is probably going to be one of the biggest fights in boxing in the past ten years, just because of how big both fighters are. Jake Paul is massive in the entertainment world, and Joshua is a great fighter. This is a real fight for both of them.”
As December 19 approaches, anticipation continues to build. Whether the crossover star can shock the world — or whether Joshua reasserts his dominance — fans are guaranteed a night of must-see boxing in Miami.
