Jake Paul has been sparring some big-name fighters, but one ex-pro doubts they have been giving it their all.
Paul steps into the ring with Anthony Joshua on December 19, having never experienced being hit by anyone with anywhere near the power of the former two-time unified champion of the world. Joshua is the taller, heavier man and has fought 32 times in all, while Paul has had just 13 contests against a much lower level of opposition.
Speaking to The Sun, former world champion Johnny Nelson has broken down what he thinks will be happening in camp with sparring partners, including former two-weight champion Lawrence Okolie.
“I don’t believe Lawrence Okolie and people like that are giving him a shellacking in sparring.
“I think they’re taking easier with him pulling him through to getting paid healthy. [Trainer] Don Charles is getting paid healthy. Like it or not, these guys have got to make a living. These guys have got to put a roof over their head and food on the table. So they’re going to go out there and try and coach him through.”
He then compared it to his own experiences.
“If you’re talking traditionally, you’d get fired. When I boxed, you had a sparring partner and he was trying to slaughter you. I don’t believe these guys are trying to do that with Jake, they’ll try and bring him along because that’s what it’s about, bringing him along.”
Paul is a huge underdog for the fight with many worried about his safety and predicting an early KO for Joshua, who would come out of it with his reputation in tatters if he looks in any way troubled by Paul.
