FORMER UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis is open to boxing Jake Paul.
Paul – the younger brother of fellow YouTuber Logan – has called out several MMA fighters following his emphatic KO of Nate Robinson last November.
And Pettis, who recently signed with the Professional Fighters League, admits he’s open to being the 23-year-old’s next opponent.
When asked if he’d be interested in fighting the younger Paul brother, the UFC‘s former 155lb champ told TMZ: “Bro, I would love to box.
“I haven’t boxed yet, so I’m 0-0. Boxing is something I grew up watching my whole life.
“That’s why I got into fighting, honestly. Watching [Julio Cesar] Chavez, [Oscar] De La Hoya, [Floyd] Mayweather, all these guys up and coming.”
Pettis, also known as Showtime, was impressed by Paul’s demolition of Robinson, adding: “He looked good against another professional athlete.
“Nate didn’t look like he should’ve been in there, honestly. I’m like, ‘Yo, did he get any sparring sessions in? Did anybody not, like, show him how to throw and get in a good stance?’
“It was like he was just running at him. But, man, I respect him for getting in that ring, bro.”
Paul’s annihilation of Robinson was his second stoppage victory in as many fights, the first of which came against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib last January.
Pettis has been impressed by the improvements Paul has made since his pro debut, saying: “I think he’s definitely getting better.
“He prepared for a boxing match. You could tell he was in boxing shape, he was in a stance at least.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how far he can go with it. He’s definitely an athlete. Both of them brothers. They’re definitely in good shape and they stay in good shape.
“So it’s not like they’re some couch potatoes jumping in [there] against professional athletes. They definitely train the part.”
Regardless of if he manages to get his hands on Paul, Pettis is eager to test himself in the squared circle.
He said: “I’m only 33, and I’ve been doing this MMA thing for so long. 12 years with Zuffa.
“So as a pro, I think I’ve been like 14 years. It’s a crazy life I live. I’d love to go in there and try something new.”
Paul currently has set his sights on a blockbuster showdown with former two-division UFC champ Conor McGregor, who he called out repeatedly last December.
But former UFC welterweight Ben Askren looks set to be the YouTube star’s next opponent after accepting his call-out.
