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Jake Paul gets five-word advice from Manny Pacquiao before Anthony Joshua fight

Originally posted on HITC | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 2:44 PM ET

Manny Pacquiao has offered Jake Paul a single piece of advice if he hopes to have any chance against Anthony Joshua next week.

The former world champion is in Dubai for the IBA Men’s Elite World Championships, where he spoke to Bloody Elbow and other media outlets.

As Vice President of the IBA, he is part of an event that will see over $8 million awarded to top amateur boxers during the finals.

But when it comes to Paul vs Joshua, Pacquiao does not seem too interested. He laughed off any suggestion that Paul has a real shot, and did not have much else to say about the fight beyond finding the whole idea a bit odd.

Manny Pacquiao shares advice for Jake Paul ahead of Anthony Joshua bout

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Paul is a massive underdog heading into his fight with Joshua next week in Miami, and there are not many out there giving him a real chance. He started as a cruiserweight, turning pro five years ago after just one white-collar fight.

Now he is up against Joshua, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist and former two-time unified heavyweight champion, who is eyeing another run at the top. When Bloody Elbow asked Pacquiao about the fight, he seemed surprised by the question.

He eventually picked AJ to win, though he did offer Paul some advice. “He has to train hard,” said Pacquiao, managing to keep a straight face after initially laughing off Paul’s chances.

‘Pac-Man’ also rejected the notion of ever fighting Paul, calling it ‘impossible’. This is primarily due to the significant weight disparity, as ‘The Problem Child’ typically fights closer to 190lb, whereas Pacquiao’s exhibition weight never exceeded 161lb, even in retirement.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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