EDDIE HEARN reckons Jake Paul will be too fast and “too fresh” in his showdown with MMA legend Anderson Silva.
The YouTuber turned boxer will throw down with the former UFC middleweight champion early on Sunday morning in Pheonix, Arizona.
Future UFC Hall-of-Famer Silva, 47, will be the most decorated striker Paul has faced in his burgeoning career – although Matchroom Boxing chief Hearn believes Father Time will be on side of the YouTuber this weekend.
He told Betfred: “Anderson Silva is 48 years old now, but he’s an MMA legend.
“He’s a decent striker as well, and obviously has that victory over a very faded Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
“I just expect Jake to be a bit too fresh for him.”
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Paul, 25, goes into his clash with Silva on the back of a brutal sixth-round knockout victory over former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
Hearn has been impressed by what he’s seen of Paul since his debut, saying: “Watching Jake, he’s definitely improving as a fighter.
“You can see that.
“He’s in good shape and he’s a strong young man, but he’s probably not going to get as much credit as he deserves if he wins because the argument that he hasn’t beaten a boxer will remain.
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“Silva is definitely his toughest challenge so far and if he wins he should get the appropriate credit.”
Improvements aside, Hearn believes The Problem Child will eventually get found out.
He said: “I don’t think he’s terrible but he’s certainly not going to be competing at world level.
“Again, we shouldn’t really knock him because many fighters are trying to compete at world level but also won’t make that grade as well.
“And that’s no disgrace because it’s a very difficult thing to do.
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“He is improving and he’s given his time to the sport. Good luck to him.”
Victory over Silva will see former Disney star Paul move to a perfect 6-0 and will be the biggest of his career.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
