Heavyweight boxer Jermaine Franklin has heavily criticized the upcoming Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua bout.

Jake Paul will fight Anthony Joshua next month (Image: Getty Images)

Professional heavyweight boxer Jermaine Franklin has launched a scathing attack on Jake Paul after the announcement of his high-profile fight with Anthony Joshua.

The ‘Problem Child’ is preparing for his toughest challenge to date when he takes on the former two-time heavyweight champion on December 19 in Miami. Since beginning his professional career in 2020, Paul has mainly fought former UFC fighters and inexperienced boxers.

The 28-year-old, who typically fights at cruiserweight, has ventured into the heavyweight category just once previously, earning a points win against Mike Tyson last November. He will now go up against one of the premier heavyweights of his era in Joshua.

Paul’s professional meeting with Joshua is scheduled for eight three-minute rounds, with both competitors wearing 10oz gloves. Since the confirmation, multiple boxing personalities have condemned the matchup, with Franklin being particularly outspoken.

Franklin, 32, knows what it’s like to take hits from Joshua, having fought the British fighter two years ago. The pair met at the O2, where Joshua controlled the action on his way to a decisive unanimous decision victory in London. After hearing the fight had received official approval, Franklin voiced his frustration.

Joshua hasn’t fought in 2025 yet (Image: Getty Images)

“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,” he told Sky Sports.

The American added: “I never heard of a catchweight at heavyweight.”

While some are praising Joshua for chasing a lucrative payday, Franklin believes the British boxer’s reputation is on the line. “It hurts him, but at this point in his career, he’s probably not going to make that money from a fight,” he cautioned. “Outside of that, though, there’s really no point.”

Turning his attention to Paul, the prominent heavyweight contender didn’t hold back about the YouTuber-turned-boxer. “You’re not going to get no respect as a boxer until you start acting like a boxer,” he said. “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. She’s a real fighter, but you’re not a real fighter. Doesn’t feel natural, doesn’t feel real.”

Despite the criticism, Joshua plans to use the bout to gain crucial ring experience before his February comeback. The British fighter hasn’t stepped into the ring since his devastating knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. Health setbacks have sidelined him for much of 2025, although he remains committed to mounting one last charge at heavyweight supremacy.