Manny Pacquiao offers five simple words of guidance to Jake Paul as the Joshua clash looms
Manny Pacquiao has distilled the one essential focus Jake Paul must nail if he hopes to have any shot against Anthony Joshua next week. The boxing legend, who holds titles across multiple weights, is in Dubai for the IBA Men’s Elite World Championships and spoke with Bloody Elbow among other media outlets. He serves as the IBA Vice President, and the organization will distribute more than $8 million in prize money to top amateurs at the world finals starting tomorrow.
Pacquiao’s Take on Paul vs. Joshua
Pacquiao doesn’t appear to be taking the matchup too seriously. He seemed skeptical about Paul’s odds and didn’t offer a definitive prediction on the fight, though he did appear amused by the notion of the bout ever taking place.
If you’re curious about Jake Paul’s background, you can read about the YouTuber-turned-boxing figure following his notable bout with Mike Tyson.
What Jake Paul Must Do, According to Pacquiao
Paul remains the heavy underdog heading into the Miami showdown with Joshua. Few observers seriously back him to win. Paul has spent years as a cruiserweight and had only one traditional professional bout before transitioning to the pro ranks about five years ago. Joshua, a seasoned Olympic gold medalist from 2012, is a two-time unified heavyweight champion looking for a third reign. Pacquiao’s response to being asked who will win? He wasn’t eager to place a bet, even jokingly.
The Filipino icon finally offered a straightforward assessment: if Paul wants a chance, he must outwork everyone in the gym. “He has to train hard,” Pacquiao stated, punctuating the remark with a restrained smile after initially laughing at the idea of Joshua winning with ease.
Asked whether there was ever any discussion about a Paul fight involving Pacquiao—even as an exhibition—the answer was a firm no. Pacquiao noted that even at his peak, his fighting weight was around 161 pounds, while Paul is best known for competing near 190 pounds.
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