Jake Paul should prepare to get “absolutely slaughtered” in any kickboxing match against UFC legend Anderson Silva, with one Australian fight great making it clear the Youtuber should do whatever it takes to get out of the bet.
Undefeated in all five appearances as a boxing professional, 25-year-old Paul is now taking a massive step up this Sunday (AEST) when he throws down against Silva, arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time.
As part of the build up, the brash American has surprisingly made a wager which, should he lose, will then see him face the Brazilian superstar in a kickboxing bout.
Watch Boxing: Paul v Silva LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo, Sunday 30 October from 12pm AEST. ORDER NOW >
If Silva loses however, he has agreed to join Paul in campaigning UFC boss Dana White for better purses and health care for his sizeable roster of fighters.
While Paul has firmed into betting favoritism for Sunday’s showdown, Australian Muay Thai legend John Wayne Parr says any kickboxing bout between the pair goes only one way.
“Absolute slaughter,” the 10-time world champion laughed.
“Wouldn’t be pretty at all.
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“And if Jake does get beaten in boxing this weekend, I can’t see why he then asks for a kickboxing fight? That will only lead to a greater arse whipping.
“In a kickboxing fight, Anderson has even more weapons. Can you imagine, if Jake gets beaten in boxing, then getting kicked and kneed as well?”
Despite being an outsider with most bookmakers, and conceding some 20-plus years to his rival, Parr still expects Silva to win this weekend.
Yet when quizzed on The Problem Child’s unlikely rise, the legend whose own storied career boasts a staggering 110 wins and 56 KOs said: “Look, I’m definitely interested.
“And for each of his fights I always tune in for the circus.
“But if Anderson really is hungry and focused, there is no possible way Jake touches him.
“You’re talking about a guy with 45 fights up against a guy with five fights. I’m not even sure how it got passed by a commission.
“But Jake, good on him for having a crack.
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“Especially taking on someone with the credentials of Anderson Silva.”
Which is why, should Paul lose as Parr expects, it seems the American would be wise to ask for mercy and have the bet cancelled.
“Because the guy has also never kicked before,” Parr continued.
“And it takes a long time to get that timing.
“Trying to catch someone on the way in so you’re not getting caught, delivering your shots and getting out of the pocket before you get countered, even just maintaining your range.
“So good on Jake for having a crack.
“But holy s …, it would be a slaughter.”
Speaking at a press conference which has formed part of a lively fight week with Silva, Paul surprised the Arizona crowd when, near the end of proceedings, and not for the first time, he coerced his rival into a bet.
“I have a bet, I have bet for you Anderson,” Paul said smugly. “If you win, I will fight you in an MMA fight.”
To which, Silva replied that “I don’t fight MMA anymore”.
“Kickboxing?” the American shot back.
“OK. Kickboxing,” Silva agreed.
“But if I win,” Paul continued, “me and you come together to create a united fighter’s association to help UFC fighters get better pay and better health care.
“You become the interim president.
“We unite to help these fighters once and for all.”
“Deal,” Silva said, before the pair then rose to shake hands on the wager.
Watch Boxing: Paul v Silva LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo, Sunday 30 October from 12pm AEST. ORDER NOW >
