Jake Paul making ‘mockery’ of boxing by fighting | Sports News

Professional heavyweight boxer Jermaine Franklin has launched a scathing assault on Jake Paul after the announcement of his high-profile battle with Anthony Joshua.

The ‘Problem Child’ is getting ready for his hardest problem thus far when he takes on the previous two-time heavyweight champion on December 19 in Miami. Since starting his skilled profession in 2020, Paul has primarily fought former UFC fighters and inexperienced boxers.

The 28-year-old, who usually fights at cruiserweight, has ventured into the heavyweight class simply as soon as beforehand, incomes a factors win in opposition to Mike Tyson final November. He will now go up in opposition to one of the premier heavyweights of his period in Joshua.

Paul’s skilled assembly with Joshua is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds, with each rivals sporting 10oz gloves. Since the affirmation, a number of boxing personalities have condemned the matchup, with Franklin being notably outspoken.

Franklin, 32, is aware of what it is wish to take hits from Joshua, having fought the British fighter two years in the past. The pair met on the O2, the place Joshua managed the motion on his approach to a decisive unanimous determination victory in London. After listening to the battle had obtained official approval, Franklin voiced his frustration.

“I think it’s rubbish. I understand it’s for money, so it is what it is. But I don’t think it’s needed. I understand Jake Paul brings money into the sport but boxing’s got to stop letting him do all this,” he informed Sky Sports.

The American added: “I never heard of a catchweight at heavyweight.”

While some are praising Joshua for chasing a profitable payday, Franklin believes the British boxer’s fame is on the road. “It hurts him, but at this point in his career, he’s probably not going to make that money from a fight,” he cautioned. “Outside of that, though, there’s really no point.”

Turning his consideration to Paul, the distinguished heavyweight contender did not maintain back concerning the YouTuber-turned-boxer. “You’re not going to get no respect as a boxer until you start acting like a boxer,” he mentioned. “Jake’s coming into the sport and making a mockery of it. Making a complete mockery of it.

“Now what he does together with his different fighters, like [Amanda] Serrano, I respect it. She’s a actual fighter, however you are not a actual fighter. Doesn’t really feel natural, does not really feel actual.”

Despite the criticism, Joshua plans to make use of the bout to gain essential ring expertise earlier than his February comeback. The British fighter hasn’t stepped into the ring since his devastating knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Health setbacks have sidelined him for a lot of 2025, though he stays dedicated to mounting one final charge at heavyweight supremacy.