Jake Paul has been warned off Hasim Rahman Jr. as the pair prepare to fight next week, according to his trainer BJ Flores.
Flores is the YouTuber and promoter’s co-trainer, and claimed that the New York State athletic commission have warned Paul that his latest rival is too advanced when it comes to comparing ability inside the ring.
Rahman, the son of former world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman Sr., has 13 fights and 12 wins to his name. He stepped in as a late replacement for Tommy Fury, who was not granted permission to enter the United States for the August 6 bout.
Speaking to BoxingScene.com, Flores said: “The New York State athletic commission advised against it. They said Rahman was too experienced. Rahman had over 100 amateur fights and has 13 professional fights plus he’s used to fighting bigger guys.
“He grew up around boxing and boxing himself in amateur tournaments.”
Rahman lost his last fight in April, but is the most dangerous opponent that Paul will have faced. While his five fights were professional bouts, none have come against fighters who were primarily professional boxers.
“Rahman was beating a 20-0 undefeated heavyweight in Kenzie Morrison 4 rounds to 0 before the stoppage. It was 40-36 on all three scorecards. This is a dangerous fight,” added Flores.