Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, Chris Eubank Jr
Luke Davies
Chris Eubank’s reaction to Jake Paul’s performance during his knockout defeat against Anthony Joshua has drawn a reaction from fans on social media.
Youtuber-turned-boxer Paul lasted six rounds against former two-time unified heavyweight world champion Joshua at the Kaseya Centre in Miami, Florida, on December 19 and exceeded many boxing experts’ expectations.
The American managed to evade most of Joshua’s shots for the first four rounds of the contest, with the Brit landing just 17 shots in the first 12 minutes.
However, in round five, Joshua’s skill, experience, and power were apparent when he knocked Paul down twice before going on to finish the fight with a thunderous right-hand in round six.
Advert
The 28-year-old’s record is now 12-2, with his other previous loss coming against Tommy Fury in 2023.
Meanwhile, AJ improved his record to 29-4 with his defeats coming against Oleksandr Usyk (x2), fellow Brit Daniel Dubois, and Andy Ruiz Jr.
And after the fight, several members of the boxing community were quick to praise Paul’s heart and bravery for even getting in the ring with AJ.
British fighter Eubank Jr, who recently lost in his rematch against Conor Benn, took to social media to offer his verdict on ‘The Problem Child’.
“Regardless of the outcome, Jake Paul got into the ring with an Olympic gold medallist & former heavyweight world champion & tried his best until the very end,” Eubank Jr wrote.
“You have to give that man his respect now… he’s done what most would never & he didn’t give up. Well done, Jake.”
Eubank’s post prompted a reaction from boxing fans on social media, and it appears that not everyone is so complimentary of Paul’s performance.
One said: “Don’t act like this was a moral victory for anyone, Chris.
“This was a money-spinning embarrassment. And it was clear that AJ could have dispatched at any moment. I cannot and will not respect that mockery of the sport I love!”
Another added: “He made like $90 million and got a broken jaw from one of the best. Dude earned a lot of respect tonight regardless of the outcome.”
A third claimed: “Only the legendary real boxers understand what Jake did tonight. This is just like taking a knife to a gun fight. Jake even landed some big shots of his own.”
While a fourth commented: “Spot on, mate. Jake showed up, took a proper beating from a legit heavyweight champ, and didn't quit early. Respect for the heart – most influencers would've tapped out after the first stare-down! Well done to both.”
Paul sustained a double broken jaw during the clash and will likely be out for some time, despite him calling out Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, while Joshua is heavily linked with an all-English showdown with Tyson Fury.