Topics: Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua, Boxing, David Haye, Heavyweight Boxing
David Haye has given his prediction after a blockbuster fight between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua was confirmed for next month.
Paul and Joshua will meet at the Kaseya Center in Miami on December 19 for a professional heavyweight bout.
The fight will be streamed on Netflix and will consist of eight three-minute rounds.
Paul had originally been scheduled to fight WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis in November, but that fight was cancelled after a domestic abuse civil lawsuit was filed against Davis.
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The YouTuber-turned-boxer's team immediately set out to find a replacement fight before the end of the year, and he is now set to face former world champion Joshua.
But the announcement has already sparked criticism across the boxing world.
Many are concerned for Paul's safety, with Joshua insisting he will show 'no mercy' towards his opponent.
Among those to weigh in was former British cruiserweight and heavyweight Haye.
Speaking on Sky News, he said: "He's [Joshua's] a real clean athlete who is going to inflict some horrendous damage to Jake Paul.
"And I hope we've got a referee in there who's quite compassionate because if Jake Paul is left up against the ropes with Anthony Joshua unloading on him, it could be the end for him.
"It could be his last day on earth."
Haye was then asked whether he feels the fight should go ahead.
"In reality, it shouldn't go ahead," he continued.
"There's no reason for it to."
Haye is not the only one fearing that Paul may struggle to cope with a man who has previously defeated Wladimir Klitschko and Joseph Parker.
Although Joshua, 36, is no longer at the peak of his powers, he remains one of the best heavyweights of the modern era.
British heavyweight Moses Itauma, who defeated Dillian Whyte in August to extend his perfect record of 13 wins from 13 fights, shared similar concerns.
The 20-year-old told BBC Sport: "Jake Paul needs to fire his advisors, his people that tell him to make these fights because that's not good.
"Did Jake Paul not watch the Ngannou fight? Do you know what? Obviously there's making money but then at the same time, it's just absurd.
"I don't think Jake Paul is bad for boxing, I think he's good. I like Jake Paul, you see what he's doing with women's boxing as well.
"And I'm not saying he shouldn't take the fight, I just feel that he needs to weigh the outcomes."
Itauma went on to question whether the total prize pot, which is estimated to be around £100 million, is worth the potential health implications.
