Anthony Joshua's trainer slams Jake Paul challenge as 'deluded' as fight edges closer

Anthony Joshua's trainer Ben Davison reckons Jake Paul is "deluded" for believing he can step into the ring and take on the two-time heavyweight champion.

Joshua hasn't fought since enduring a devastating knockout loss to Daniel Dubois. It appeared likely that the duo would clash again straight away, but 'AJ' required additional time to heal after sustaining some knocks during their heavyweight showdown.

The former two-time world titleholder is currently recovering from elbow surgery and is anticipated to make his return later this year. Remarkably, the leading contender to face Joshua in his comeback bout is the YouTuber-turned-boxer. A clash between the two could happen as soon as next year.

Paul is so eager to get in the ring with the Brit that he's even prepared to accept just a ONE PER CENT share of the fight purse. A sports finance specialist has forecast that a potential bout between them could generate $40million (£30m), reports All Out Fighting.

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With millions worldwide expected to watch, it's hardly shocking that both fighters would be handsomely compensated for their participation. Joshua's trainer has hit back at Paul after the American repeatedly challenged 'AJ' to a fight, asserting that his star boxer could easily handle the social media star.

Davison and Joshua have been a team for nearly two years, forming a strong bond. When questioned about a potential showdown between the 35-year-old and the 'Problem Child,' Davison told the Stomping Ground: "You cannot judge people from where they have come from because everybody gets to certain different places in life and reaches the top all with different walks, different backgrounds."

The renowned boxing coach acknowledged Paul's success before tearing into the internet sensation. "Yeah he is (successful) in lots of different fields, but like I said, Anthony Joshua is probably the most dangerous man, or one of the most dangerous men in the sport. To be stepping in the ring with him, I just think it is deluded from Jake Paul."

He added: "I have no idea (if Paul can win) but I can categorically tell you that he is not winning that. He cannot win that fight, but AJ could win that fight and do whatever he wanted to do with him." Davison then reflected on former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou's bout with Tyson Fury, arguing that the Cameroon heavyweight was more suited to fight Joshua before once again tearing into the American. "Do you think Jake Paul would go 10 rounds with Tyson Fury? No. Francis Ngannou did.

"But look what happened there with Francis Ngannou. Francis Ngannou was more qualified to box Anthony Joshua than Jake Paul and look what happened there. That is one of the most durable men on the planet, Francis Ngannou. Never mind and undersized Jake Paul."

When is Anthony Joshua's next fight?

With Joshua currently recovering from surgery on his elbow, the British heavyweight is hoping to make his comeback before the year is out.

His promoter, Eddie Hearn, has recently disclosed that 'AJ' is now looking to move forward with his career after repeatedly chasing a clash with Fury, though he remains optimistic of eventually settling their differences with the 'Gypsy King' before retiring. Speaking to Sky Sports about Joshua's future, Hearn said: "Yeah, good, he had that operation recently... that elbow surgery, which went very well. You will see him return in October, November or December."