Nigerian-born former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua has been hit with another swipe because of his decision to accept a ‘an exhibition fight’ with social media influencer, Jake Paul.
Sports247 reports that, as criticism continues spreading over the fight fixed for December 19th in Miami, USA, a former victim of Joshua’s heavy punches, Jermaine Franklin has labelled the upcoming bout ‘a mockery.’
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Although ‘AJ’ stands to pocket half of £180m in prize money, Franklin insists Jake Paul is making a ‘mockery’ of boxing as he takes on the near-impossible task of facing Joshua in a heavyweight bout.
It’s left be seen how Joshua reacts to the heated verdict from Franklin, who went the distance with the then champ in 2023, after a controversial loss to Dillian Whyte the previous year.
Joshua’s former victim, who is preparing to battle Moses Itauma, further warned that Paul could harm the strong reputation that ‘AJ’ has built for himself.
He stressed that Joshua has allowed himself to be deceived into a social media spree by Paul, as he believes the former YouTuber is into boxing to make ‘a complete mockery of it.’
Franklin told Sky Sports: “I think it’s rubbish. I understand it’s for money, so it is what it is. But I don’t think it’s needed. I understand Jake Paul brings money into the sport but boxing’s got to stop letting him do all this.”
