Two years ago, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and Youtuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul were in the same place at the same time. During this encounter, the former champion was full of praise for Jake Paul.
Jake Paul Speaks About Praise From Icons
The YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has revealed how the two-time heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua highly praised his efforts. This was while in a meeting in Dubai around two years ago. This was then Jake was trying to carve out a niche for himself within the ring with some notable victories. These included victories against Ben Askren, Tyrone Woodley, Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva. Jake Paul decided to unwind himself after defeating Anderson Silva by spending some time over in Dubai.
While he was out there not only did Jake Paul soak up the sun. However, he also had duties which included commenting on Tommy Fury’s exhibition match against Rolly Lamber. Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua was mixing in training with relaxation over in Dubai. While over there, Jake Paul trained alongside Anthony Joshua’s mate Lawrence Okolie. The two even shared some fun playing laser tag with the boxer.
Over time, Anthony Joshua hasn’t shied away from lauding the rise of YouTube pugilists, having been featured in videos with the likes of KSI and Joe Weller. Anthony Joshua has even appeared at events like Deji’s clash with Alex Wassabi. While reflecting on these events in 2022 while conversing with Anthony Pompliano on his podcast, Jake Paul expressed that receiving acknowledgement from boxing icons means everything to him. Explaining this Jake Paul said;
“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”.
Anthony Joshua Praise
A year before their meeting out in the Middle East, Anthony Joshua was asked about the young American and his rise in the sport. During an interview with IFL TV Anthony Joshua said;
“[He’s] great for boxing”
“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, and putting himself under pressure. Good luck to him.”
Two years after their meeting, Jake Paul has continued to establish himself as one of the biggest stars in influencer boxing. The 27-year0old is currently training to take on the former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson on November 15th. Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua, was recently defeasted by Daniel Dubois, going on to suffer a devasting knockout in the fifth round at Wembley stadium back in September.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
