Jake Paul vs Gervonta Davis: Amir Khan says YouTuber will “hurt” world champion

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 a 58-year-old ex-world champion Mike Tyson by decision last November.

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

“Fighting an old man like Mike Tyson and trying to punch his head in. The way they promote things and talk rubbish is disrespecting the sport. I can’t believe the boxing bodies, because of the funds they are getting, let it happen.”