JAKE PAUL has been backed to beat Conor McGregor in the boxing ring by Khabib Nurmagomedov’s trainer.
The YouTuber-turned boxer has spent almost all of his boxing career trying to goad McGregor into the ring.
Jake Paul has been backed to beat Conor McGregor in the boxing ring by Khabib’s coach
Conor McGregor has been called out by Jake Paul
But a sticking point would be the weight, with the Irishman, 33, last fighting at the 155lb UFC lightweight division of 12stone.
Whereas Paul, 25, has boxed largely at 190lb (13st 5lb) but did call for a catchweight of 175lb (12st 5lb).
But even at the reduced weight, MMA coach Javier Mendez backed the American to win under boxing rules.
Mendez Betway Insider US. “I would favour Jake Paul at 175 over Conor in a boxing ring because he’s too big but you can’t count Conor out
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“Conor’s a good boxer, so you can’t discount his boxing ability but the size is a little much.
“Jake Paul hits extremely hard as you can tell by what he’s done. If you haven’t woken up to Jake Paul’s ability they better because he’s only improving.
“So I think the size is a big difference and the power would be too much for Conor.”
McGregor has boxed professionally only once, losing to unbeaten legend Floyd Mayweather, 45, in 2017.
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Whereas Paul has beaten the likes of online rival ‘AnEsonGib’, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 37.
His last two wins were over ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 39, on points in August and then a brutal knockout for months later.
And despite not yet facing a recognised boxer, Mendez does not doubt Paul’s skills or power, which he rates above McGregor’s.
He said: “Sometimes you can be bigger and not punch harder, but in this case Jake Paul is bigger than Conor and punches harder and he’s good, so all three variables are with Jake.
“He’s just a bigger man fighting a smaller man. Jake Paul also isn’t necessarily a novice anymore.
“He’s experienced in dealing with high pressure fights, and he’s proven he’s able to handle that pressure.
“So it’s a big man versus a little man and the big man just so happens to have more firepower.”
Khabib Nurmagomedov pictured with coach Javier Mendez
