Jake Paul has told critics to "keep underestimating" him after it was reported the YouTuber will fight Anderson Silva next.
For the first time in his boxing career, Paul will face an opponent with a professional boxing record in UFC legend Silva. Paul has been criticised for the quality of his past opponents, but Silva is undoubtedly his toughest challenge yet despite turning 47 earlier this year. Paul is unbeaten in five professional fights having fought YouTuber AnEsonGib, former NBA star Nate Robinson and retired MMA champions Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.
Silva parted ways with the UFC two years ago and has since transitioned to boxing, picking up impressive wins over former middleweight world titleholder Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and fellow UFC legend Tito Ortiz. Silva's only loss in the ring occurred in his ring debut over 20 years ago.
Paul insisted he would be an underdog against Silva, but early odds for the fight slightly favour him. 'The Problem Child' has not officially announced the fight but issued a cryptic message after reports of it surfaced, as Paul wrote: "The hardest role I ever had to play was dumb. Keep underestimating me."
Fans have given a mixed reaction to news of Paul's next opponent, with many criticising him for still not fighting an 'actual boxer'. Paul has also been slammed for the age difference between him and Silva, given the UFC legend is almost twice the age of Paul. UFC boss Dana White offered Paul some rare praise amid their ongoing feud as he insists Silva will give him a "real fight" in the ring.
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"If he’s really fighting Anderson Silva, and that’s true, it’s about time he’s got a real fight on his hands there. Regardless of how old Anderson is, yeah, that’s a real fight," he said. White and Paul have traded words over the past year and the UFC president pleaded with reporters to stop asking him questions about Paul given he isn't in the UFC.
Silva was in talks to fight Jake's brother Logan last year, and the UFC legend has previously voiced his support for the brothers in their move to boxing. 'The Spider' told Sports Illustrated of a potential fight with either Jake or Logan: “It’s possible. People need to respect the Paul brothers. Those kids are talented, and they’ve opened people’s eyes about the good and bad in combat sports. I’m preparing my body for a challenge. We’ll see what happens."
