David Haye: 'Jake Paul deserves credit'

Andrew Karlov Dec. 21, 2025, 1:09 p.m.
Jake Paul in the embrace of referee Chris Young. Getty Images

Anthony Joshua (29-4, 26 KO) knocked out Jake Paul (12-2, 7 KO) in the sixth round this Friday. Some write that the fight was staged, but the famous 'Hayemaker' has his own opinion on this matter.

'AJ did what he had to do, namely knocking out his opponent. It's very difficult to fight someone who just avoids fighting. Paul even had a good plan: he moved a lot around the ring, didn't engage in open combat, and instead tried to deliver a right-hand punch. It didn't work, but he still deserves credit,' said Haye.

'By the end of the fight, he was coughing up blood and probably earned a broken jaw. He lost, as expected, but showed that he could compete at a high level, maybe not in heavyweight, but definitely in cruiserweight. If he continues to train hard, with the right selection of opponents, he can achieve something. But he better stay away from the big guys,' added Haye.

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