Jake Paul meets Anthony Joshua on Dec 19, but Paul admits he wouldn't accept a fight with David Benavidez, citing Benavidez's power, speed and relentless pressure. Betting impact: punters should avoid backing Paul in a hypothetical bout with Benavidez — Benavidez would likely be a heavy favorite — while Joshua vs Paul will probably see Joshua as the safer moneyline pick and value on Joshua stoppage or decision markets.
Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The matchup and timeline
Jake Paul is scheduled to return to the ring on December 19 in Miami to face former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Paul, who made his professional debut in 2020 and last fought in June with a decision win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., has spent his career courting big-name matchups and controversy in equal measure.
Paul refuses one opponent: David Benavidez
Paul has publicly identified David Benavidez as someone he would not step into the ring with, praising the undefeated light‑heavyweight for his power, speed and non‑stop attack. "There's a very short list of people that I wouldn't step into the ring with, and Benavidez is on that list," Paul said, adding that Benavidez's punches "don't mean s*** to him" and describing his "giant forearms" and relentless pressure.
Why Benavidez worries Paul
Benavidez combines size, power and volume punching in a way that gives even confident fighters pause. Paul pointed to the Mexican‑American's hand speed, cardio and ability to sustain pressure as the primary reasons he'd decline a matchup, arguing that standard power shots would have limited effect against him.
Benavidez profile and recent form
David Benavidez is 31-0 and has built a reputation as a dangerous knockout artist, having gone the distance only six times in his career. After moving up to light‑heavyweight, he won an interim WBC title with a decision over Oleksandr Gvozdyk, outclassed David Morrell to retain his belt earlier this year, and most recently stopped Anthony Yarde in round seven in a high-profile outing.
Betting implications and market outlook
Punters should treat Paul vs Joshua as a conventional heavyweight betting market: Joshua is likely to be installed as the safer favorite given his size, experience and resume at the top level. The market may offer value on Joshua stoppage or decision markets rather than high-risk Paul moneylines.
A theoretical Paul vs Benavidez clash — across weights and styles — would almost certainly tilt toward Benavidez in sportsbook pricing. Bettors should avoid backing Paul in that matchup; Benavidez's combination of power and relentless volume makes him a strong candidate for a stoppage or dominant decision in cross‑weight bets. Consider prop markets (round betting, method of victory) where Benavidez's pressure could create more predictable outcomes than a gambler's longshot on Paul.
What bettors should watch
Look for lines that reflect: - Weight and size advantages favoring Joshua at heavyweight. - Benavidez's power/pressure translating into shorter odds and heavy favorite status in any cross‑division scenario. - Prop markets (round scorers, stoppage) as potential value if you believe Benavidez or Joshua will secure a decisive win rather than a narrow decision.
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The boxing novice has called out several big players in the sport of boxing since making his debut five years ago, but there is one man he refuses to fight
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