Jermaine Franklin tears into Jake Paul and his bout against Anthony Joshua: ‘Not a real fighter’

Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua continues to receive criticism

Jake Paul (12-1, 7 KO’s) and Antony Joshua (28-4, 25 KO’s) are preparing to face off on December 19 in Miami, Florida. 

The bout comes after Jake Paul’s original billing versus Gervonta ‘Tank Davis fell through as a result of a lawsuit filed against the lightweight champion. 

It’s fair to say that ‘The Problem Child’ has skipped a few weight classes, as he now gears up to take on two-time unified heavyweight champion ‘AJ’.

The majority of the boxing world is envisioning an easy fight for the Brit, wth many questioning Paul's team for allowing their fighter to pursue the bout. 

However, fellow heavyweight Jermaine Franklin (24-2, 15 KO’s) has criticised the event as a whole, revealing that he feels these types of fights put the sport's reputation at risk. 

"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," Franklin told Sky Sports.

"I never heard of a catchweight at heavyweight.”

Jake Paul has long been criticised for picking and choosing his opponents, often fighting retired stars or MMA fighters with little boxing experience or ringcraft. 

He is finally fighting a top-calibre opponent, though Franklin still found ample opportunity to criticise the 29-year-old.

"You're not going to get no respect as a boxer until you start acting like a boxer.

"Jake's coming into the sport and making a mockery of it. Making a complete mockery of it. Now what he does with his other fighters, like [Amanda] Serrano, I appreciate it," he revealed.

"She's a real fighter but you're not a real fighter.

"Doesn't feel natural, doesn't feel real."

Jermaine Franklin is also ready to brush off any ring rust, as he recently finalised a deal to face off against feared youngster, Moses Itauma, in January.