Paul enters the fight conceding significant disadvantages in height, reach, and weight, along with a massive gap in experience. Moving from beating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. to challenging a former unified heavyweight champion represents a leap unlike anything he has attempted before.

Still, Jones Jr. sees one scenario that could create real trouble for Joshua, telling Boxing King Media: “The only thing is if Joshua underestimates him. Jake has a chance because don’t get it twisted, Jake can punch… Jake knows a little bit more about boxing now than people think. And Jake can punch. So if Jake hit him, it could be problematic.”

Joshua’s history of taking damage remains a factor

Joshua has been knocked down by Wladimir Klitschko, Andy Ruiz Jr., and most recently Daniel Dubois, whose four knockdowns at Wembley derailed Joshua’s bid to reclaim the heavyweight throne. Those moments serve as reminders that even elite champions can be vulnerable when caught clean.

Why Jones Jr’s warning matters

For Jones Jr, the danger is tied entirely to mindset. If Joshua stays disciplined and respects Paul’s power, the physical gap should carry him to a comfortable win. But if he overlooks Paul’s improvements, the fight could become far more dramatic than expected when the bell rings in Miami.

Both fighters came face-to-face earlier this week at a heated press conference in Miami, where it was confirmed that the bout will be contested with a 195-pound weight limit and 12-ounce gloves. For Davis, who reigns as the WBA lightweight champion, the challenge is unlike anything he has faced before. For Paul, it’s another chance to prove he belongs in the spotlight of boxing’s biggest stages.

Amid the debate, Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. gave his blunt assessment of the fight. Speaking on All The Smoke Fight, Jones declared: “Now to Tank’s credit, I’m interested in the Tank v Jake Paul exhibition because I know for a fact that if they do it for real, Tank is capable. Although he’s small, he’s capable of knocking Jake Paul out, just like Jake Paul’s probably capable of knocking him out because he’s so much bigger.”

Roy Jones Jr. tips Davis despite the odds

Jones’ words carry weight, not only because of his legendary career but also because he himself has fought in high-profile exhibitions, including against Mike Tyson in 2020. His comments reflect the duality of this matchup: Davis’ skill, speed, and knockout power against Paul’s size and natural strength.

The size disparity raises doubts

Paul stands eight inches taller and weighed nearly 60 pounds heavier in his last fight against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Davis, by contrast, entered much lighter for his most recent outing against Lamont Roach Jr., a bout that ended in a majority decision draw. The physical contrast between the two fighters underscores the unpredictability of what might unfold in Miami.

The 28-year-old from Phoenix, Arizona turned professional in 2013 and has since captured world titles at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight. Benavidez held the WBC super-middleweight championship twice between 2017 and 2020, defeating top contenders such as Anthony Dirrell, Caleb Plant, and Demetrius Andrade during his reign at 168 pounds.

‘The Mexican Monster’ moved up to light-heavyweight last August, where he claimed the WBC interim light-heavyweight title by defeating Oleksandr Gvozdyk. He successfully defended that belt against David Morrell in February before being elevated to full WBC world champion after Dmitry Bivol vacated the title in April. Benavidez is set to make the first defense of his crown later this year against Britain’s Anthony Yarde at the ANB Arena in Riyadh on Saturday, November 22.

Who did Benavidez consider truly unbeatable in their prime?

While Benavidez’s own career continues to gain momentum, he singled out former four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr. as the fighter who was untouchable at his peak. Speaking to ESNEWS, Benavidez was clear in his admiration for Jones’ unique abilities.

“To be honest with you, I feel like in his prime Roy Jones was untouched by anybody just because of his speed, athleticism, everything was just different, you know. People say God-given talent, I feel like Roy Jones at his physical prime, he had God-given talent,” Benavidez said.

The legacy of Roy Jones Jr.

At the height of his powers, Roy Jones Jr. was widely regarded as one of the best fighters in the world. During the 1990s, he defeated some of boxing’s elite, including Mike McCallum, James Toney, and Bernard Hopkins.

Jones spent most of his career competing at super-middleweight and light-heavyweight before making a successful move up to heavyweight in 2003, where he captured the WBA world heavyweight title by dethroning John Ruiz.

Recently, Jones has been linked to a highly anticipated showdown with Floyd Mayweather after a heated social media rivalry, fueling speculation about one of boxing’s most intriguing potential matchups.

Roy Jones Jr., one of boxing’s all-time greats and a former multi-weight world champion, has now publicly expressed his desire to fight Paul. The matchup, however, seems more dream than reality for now, especially given Paul’s career trajectory and past reluctance to entertain bouts perceived as sideshow attractions.

Jones, who has remained active well into his fifties and last drew headlines for his 2020 exhibition with Mike Tyson, didn’t hold back in voicing his interest. Speaking at the IBA convention, he outlined a scenario where he and Paul could clash for a vacant cruiserweight belt — a storyline that would certainly generate headlines.

Is Roy Jones Jr. serious about a Jake Paul fight?

“Jake Paul wants that cruiserweight, real world title. Wow… Somebody vacates and they fight for a vacant world cruiserweight title,” Jones said. “I never got the real cruiserweight world title. Jake Paul is now in that position. That would be thrilling.”

While Jones may have said it with a touch of promoter’s flair, his comments reflect the growing belief that Paul’s presence in boxing is no longer a gimmick — it’s a business and competition opportunity for real fighters.

Jake Paul reacts to ranking, maintains title aspirations

Paul, who now holds a 10-1 record, earned the WBA ranking after a series of professional victories. Wins over seasoned opponents such as Ryan Bourland (17-2) and Andre August (10-1-1) set the stage, but it was his dominant performance against Chavez Jr. that solidified his standing.

Following the announcement, Paul took to social media to share his thoughts: “I’ve worked hard to get here but there is nothing to celebrate. Long road ahead and I’m more committed to it every single day… Being a world champion is my desired ultimate destination.”

Whether that path leads to a title bout — or an unlikely showdown with a legend like Roy Jones Jr. — remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Jake Paul is forcing the boxing world to take notice.

Jones, a boxing icon, began his professional career as a middleweight and steadily climbed the ranks, capturing titles at super middleweight, light heavyweight, and even heavyweight. His ability to adapt his fighting style while maintaining his speed and power against larger opponents cemented his legacy as one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers in history.

Canelo Alvarez, one of the most dominant fighters of his generation, presents a formidable challenge. The Mexican superstar has never been knocked down and is rarely seen hurt in the ring. With an impressive record of 60-2-2, including an undefeated streak at 168 pounds, Canelo’s only losses came against Floyd Mayweather at 152 pounds and Dmitry Bivol at 175 pounds.

Roy Jones Jr.’s prediction

Speaking to the media about the fight, Jones emphasized that the outcome largely depends on Canelo’s performance and made a bold prediction about the result. “It’s Canelo’s fight to lose,” Jones said, highlighting the pressure on the Mexican superstar to deliver.

The stage for an epic showdown

The highly anticipated fight is scheduled for September in Las Vegas, and Crawford plans to remain inactive until then. Canelo, meanwhile, will stay busy with a bout against William Scull, where he will aim to become a two-time undisputed super middleweight champion.

Canelo vs Crawford: Legacy on the line

This fight promises to be a clash of titans, where strategy, adaptability, and sheer willpower will determine the winner. For Crawford, it’s an opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats. For Canelo, it’s a chance to further solidify his dominance in the super middleweight division.

The boxing world is eagerly awaiting this showdown, which could redefine the legacies of both fighters and deliver one of the most memorable fights in recent history.

According to Jones Jr., Davis should keep a close eye on a rising world champion who has quickly made a name for himself and could present a serious threat to his reign. Jones Jr., known for his illustrious career across multiple weight divisions and for being one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of his era, has analyzed the evolving boxing scene—including the future of “Tank” Davis.

As Davis prepares to defend his title next month against Lamont Roach, Roy Jones Jr. believes there’s another champion who should be on his radar: Keyshawn Davis. The newly crowned WBO lightweight champion, who recently knocked out Denys Berinchyk in the fourth round, has taken the boxing world by storm.

Roy Jones Jr.’s warning to Gervonta Davis

Jones Jr., who was present at Keyshawn Davis’ fight, didn’t hesitate to voice his thoughts on the young champion’s potential. Speaking to FightHype, he was asked whether Keyshawn could pose a challenge for Gervonta “Tank” Davis—his response was emphatic:

“Not just Tank. He’s a problem for everybody. Trust me, believe it. He raised his stock — I knew what he was already. You can tell from his amateur experience; he was a problem from the start,” Jones Jr. said. “You just have to know boxing to understand what he really is. He proved he’s exactly what we thought he was.”

Keyshawn Davis: A rising threat in the lightweight division

With his rapid ascent in professional boxing and his stunning knockout victory, Keyshawn Davis has become one of the most talked-about names in the lightweight division. His deep amateur background, as highlighted by Roy Jones Jr., gives him a solid foundation and a high boxing IQ.

His youth, skill, and newly acquired world title make him a dangerous opponent for any fighter in the division—including reigning champion Gervonta Davis. Jones Jr.’s warning only adds to the excitement surrounding the lightweight division, as boxing fans eagerly speculate about a potential Davis vs. Davis showdown.

Crawford, a dominant force at 140 pounds, has long pursued this fight, but many experts believe jumping up two weight classes to face a naturally bigger and stronger opponent like Canelo is a massive challenge.

Despite concerns over the size difference, boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. sees this fight as a defining moment for the sport. While acknowledging the risks Crawford faces, he believes the matchup has all the ingredients for an unpredictable battle. According to Jones Jr., even a single mistake by Canelo could tip the scales in Crawford’s favor.

In an interview with Fighthype.com, Jones Jr. highlighted the strategic importance of this fight. “It’s a great fight for boxing. I know people don’t agree with it, but if Canelo fights even one wrong fight, he’s gonna lose. If he comes out and fights the right fight, it’s gonna be a tough one. Right now, I think it can go either way,” he said.

Roy Jones Jr. on Canelo’s strategy

Jones Jr. stressed that Canelo’s approach will be the key to the fight. If he underestimates Crawford or fails to adjust to his elusive style, the Mexican champion could suffer an unexpected defeat. However, if he fights intelligently and utilizes his physical advantages, he has a strong chance of coming out on top.

Jones Jr.’s advice for Crawford

Jones Jr. advises Terence Crawford to enter the fight at the maximum weight allowed within the super middleweight division. By doing so, he can maximize his strength and give himself the best chance to counter Canelo’s size and power. If Crawford can impose his pace and capitalize on openings, he could defy the odds and pull off a historic victory.

After defeating Mike Tyson in November, Jake Paul has been called out by several boxers, including Artur Beterbiev, Daniel Dubois, and Oliver McCall. However, rumors of a potential fight against boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. have surfaced, prompting a response from the 55-year-old.

“I love what Jake has done for our sport. I also love the time and effort that he’s put forth to develop his craft. Being that I was Mike’s last opponent before the big exhibition that they put on, I do feel like I’d probably be the most noteworthy opponent at this point,” Jones wrote in an Instagram post.

Despite his enthusiasm, Jones admitted he hasn’t been contacted by Paul’s team. “So it’s not a reality at this point,” he said, while remaining open to the possibility. Jones last competed in April 2023, suffering a loss to former UFC champion Anthony Pettis.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, Jones boasts wins over James Toney, Antonio Tarver, and Felix Trinidad. While his profile matches the caliber of Paul’s recent opponents, it appears the former YouTuber isn’t considering Jones for now.

Jake Paul returns to training, teases next fight

Though Paul has yet to confirm any fights for 2025, he recently revealed he’s back in training. According to Athlon Sports, Paul shared Instagram videos of himself shadowboxing and performing strength and conditioning drills, captioning them with “Something’s coming.”

Among the pool of potential opponents, Conor McGregor has emerged as a top contender. The Irishman was initially linked to a fight in an exhibition against Paul’s brother, Logan, in India next summer.

While Logan is dedicating the coming months to WWE and Raw, as reported by Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, Jake could step in as McGregor’s opponent. For now, the younger Paul has hinted at a major announcement this month, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his next move.

Jones Jr., a former world champion in four weight divisions, is no stranger to high-profile bouts. His own controversial win against Mike Tyson garnered significant media attention. Now, he’s looking to leverage that momentum to secure a lucrative fight with Paul.

Widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in boxing history, Roy Jones Jr. has expressed interest in facing Paul—but only under one condition: a $20 million purse. “I was the last person to fight Mike, so why would I take anything less than $20 million? Don’t waste my time,” Jones Jr. told the specialized outlet Covers.

An attractive challenge, but unlikely

While Jones Jr.’s challenge has generated considerable buzz among boxing fans, the likelihood of the fight materializing remains slim. Paul, who has built his career on flashy, controversial matchups, will likely prioritize opponents who offer broader media exposure and help enhance his growing popularity.

Additionally, the significant age gap between the two fighters cannot be ignored. At 55, Jones Jr. would face a considerable physical disadvantage against Paul, who is in peak condition, with a clear edge in youth and speed.

What’s next for Jake Paul?

Despite Jones Jr.’s call-out, Paul is already on the hunt for his next opponent. Known for his ambitious approach and knack for generating controversy, Paul remains a highly marketable figure in boxing.

The future of Paul’s boxing career is uncertain, but one thing is clear: he will continue to pursue challenges that boost his profile and solidify his standing in the sport.

Mayweather, with his perfect 50-0 record, is considered by many to be the greatest pound-for-pound boxer in history. His impenetrable defense and ability to control the pace of a fight made him a unique spectacle. Additionally, his career was marked by extraordinary commercial success, with four of the five highest-grossing pay-per-view events in boxing history.

However, Roy Jones Jr., an undisputed champion across four weight classes, holds a different opinion. In an interview with Real Lyfe Productions, when asked if he considered Mayweather the GOAT, Jones Jr. gave a simple but emphatic response: “No.”

Criticism of Mayweather’s career

Jones Jr. explained that while he respects Mayweather’s undefeated record, he believes other boxers have had more impressive careers. “You got to respect anything a person does to stay undefeated that long. I respect it to a degree, yeah. Is it a 50-0 that I think he’s the greatest fighter of all time? Nah. [Julio César] Chávez went 80-0 at one point. 80. You gonna ever top that? No. He just didn’t stop. [Floyd] got to 50-0 and stopped because of Rocky Marciano. Rocky died. If he wouldn’t have died, he probably would’ve kept going too,” Jones Jr. noted.

Jones Jr. on Conor McGregor as Mayweather’s final opponent

Jones Jr. also criticized Mayweather’s choice of Conor McGregor as his final opponent. “And then, at the end, you fight a guy who’s 0-0. How can I respect that? Conor McGregor was 0-0 and they let you do that? So what pisses me off is I’ve had fights that I’ve tried to promote in Vegas at that time with that same commission. They wouldn’t let a 13-5 guy fight with a 13-0 guy, but you would let an 0-0 fight a 49-0? That shows you that it’s all about the money.”

The ongoing debate

While both Mayweather and Jones Jr. are undisputed legends, their contrasting perspectives highlight the complexities of determining the GOAT in boxing. Mayweather’s perfect record and commercial dominance contrast with Jones Jr.’s admiration for fighters like Chávez, whose sheer volume of victories remains unparalleled.

In the end, the debate over who is the GOAT will likely continue, fueled by the unique accomplishments and philosophies of these two icons of the sport.

Terence Crawford, a four-division world champion, has expressed his interest in facing Canelo, the reigning super middleweight king. However, the weight disparity between the two poses a significant challenge for the American fighter.

In an interview with Mill City Boxing, Jones Jr. shared his perspective on this hypothetical clash. While praising Crawford’s talent and skills, the legendary boxer leaned toward Canelo as the favorite: “I like Terence, but I’m going to lean towards Canelo with his size early. But if he lets Terence get into the fight, Terence is going to be a problem. If Terence can deal with the size, he will beat him.”

The role of striking power

Jones Jr. emphasized the importance of Canelo’s punching power as a decisive factor in the fight: “That’s what I’m saying, we don’t know until we see Terence get hit, cause we haven’t seen him get hit with that power,” Jones Jr. said. “That’s the deciding factor. If you can change Bud’s fight plan, you’ve got a chance of beating him. But if you can’t hurt him, you can’t change his fight plan, and you’ve got problems.”

This analysis underscores Crawford’s need to neutralize Canelo’s renowned power. If Crawford can impose his technical boxing skills and avoid Canelo’s devastating punches, he could stand a chance of pulling off a historic upset.

Canelo’s next steps

While the potential fight between Canelo and Crawford remains a dream scenario for fans, Canelo Alvarez is currently focused on preparing for his next bout. IBF interim champion William Scull has been mentioned as a possible opponent.

For now, the boxing world will have to wait and see if this highly anticipated showdown becomes a reality. Until then, the prospect of two pound-for-pound greats meeting in the ring continues to fuel discussions and excite fans around the globe.