Jake Paul ended up with a “crooked” nose after a sparring session with heavyweight Frank Sanchez, with Sanchez praising the YouTube star’s “courage”.
Paul has been preparing for the toughest fight of his boxing career against Britain’s two-time world champion Anthony Joshua, which takes place in Miami early Saturday morning.
Paul, 28, has only 13 boxing fights under his belt, but has traded punches in sparring with top heavyweight fighters, including Cuba’s Sanchez.
Paul recently revealed the damage to his nose, saying, “It’s even crooked.
“I’m not going to lie, sparring with heavyweights, my nose moved a few millimeters in this camp. A guy named Frank Sanchez, he was definitely cracking up a little bit, so there’s definitely a little something there.
“But, well, that’s no good!”
Paul reveals how Frank Sanchez hurt his nose while sparring
Sanchez, who can challenge for the world title if he wins the IBF final eliminator, expressed his respect for Paul.
“I spent three weeks with Jake,” Sanchez told Sky Sports. “What surprised me the most was that Jake is a professional, a hard worker, and has definitely improved since he started boxing.
“Personally, I’m looking forward to the fight with Joshua. Jake has shown the courage to take on such a difficult fight.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Anthony Joshua spoke freely about how he plans to beat Jake Paul in their Dec. 19 fight in Miami. Photo courtesy of Most Valuable Promotions
“I think boxing fans will be impressed by the fact that he’s not afraid to fight one of the best heavyweight boxers in the world.
“I like Jake Paul and wish him the best.”
Jake Paul can ‘shock the world’
Cassius Cheney was impressed by Paul’s work ethic and dedication
American Cassius Cheney was preparing to fight Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia before the British star decided to share the ring with Paul instead.
But Paul asked Cheney to join his impressive sparring partners, which also included fellow American challenger Jared Anderson and British two-division world champion Lawrence Okolie.
“Jake seems very prepared and focused,” Cheney told Sky Sports.
“I can’t wait to see him put it together and shock the world.
“This opportunity is his.”
