Paul will hurt Davis in mismatched bout – Khan

Amir Khan says Jake Paul is “very bad for boxing” but has warned that the YouTuber-turned-boxer is “going to hurt” Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis in their upcoming exhibition bout.

Former world light-welterweight champion Khan told BBC Sport the huge size and weight difference between the pair makes the fight, which takes place on 14 November in Atlanta, a dangerous mismatch.

Paul, 28, will face undefeated 30-year-old lightweight world champion Davis, who has won 30 of his 31 fights, with 28 knockouts, in an exhibition that will not count towards either man’s professional record.

“Jake Paul, in my opinion, is going to hurt Gervonta Davis,” Briton Khan said. “Davis is a tiny little man compared to Paul. I think it’s a big mismatch. “

The weight disparity between the two fighters is stark – Paul weighed in at 200lbs for his last bout, while Davis campaigns at 135lbs.

There is also a significant height and reach difference, with 6ft 1in Paul standing eight inches taller and having a nine-inch reach advantage.

“It shows to me that Tank’s acting desperate by taking a fight like that,” Khan said.

Bolton’s Khan, who also won Olympic silver at lightweight in 2004, appeared stunned when BBC Sport told him the fight – which will be shown live on Netflix – had been confirmed.

“Is it really happening? What? Wow. You just shocked me there, I had no idea. That’s crazy, bro,” Khan said.

While the contracted weight, number of rounds and size of gloves for the exhibition are yet to be confirmed, Khan cast doubt on whether the fight will even take place.

“I don’t think it happens, but if it does happen, Gervonta, being as good as he is and he’s an amazing fighter, he’ll end up getting hurt,” Khan said.

“I don’t think Davis can hurt Paul. “

Khan also took aim at the wider role in the sport of Paul, who outpointed 39-year-old former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June, taking his professional record to 12-1. He also beat 58-year-old heavyweight great Mike Tyson by decision last November.

“I think people like Jake Paul are very bad for boxing, to be honest with you,” Khan added.