Deontay Wilder has offered rare praise for Jake Paul, saying they share a willingness to face opponents significantly bigger than themselves, as Paul prepares to fight 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 often gave up major weight advantages during his own career, said few fighters are prepared to take such risks.
“The only person I know that has done what Jake Paul is trying to do with AJ is me,” Wilder said, pointing to his bouts against much heavier opponents, including Tyson Fury, who outweighed him by more than 40lb in their first fight.
Wilder added that while he questions whether the bout will be fully legitimate, if it is, Joshua’s size and power should prove decisive. “This is heavyweight boxing,” he said. “One punch can end a career.”
