AEW World Tag Team Champion Bobby Lashley has made his position on a potential boxing match with Jake Paul clear, stating he would accept the challenge without hesitation. During a recent interview with WFAA, Lashley voiced his desire for competition, directly addressing the possibility of facing the YouTuber-turned-boxer.
While many in combat sports have called out Paul with animosity, Lashley’s motivation stems from a respect for competition itself.
“If I had an opportunity to box him, 100% I’d do it tomorrow,” Lashley said. “I stay in good shape, let’s go hit some mits, let’s do some sparring, let’s get ready for it, I’d be ready, I’d sign a contract.”
He further clarified his intentions were not based on generating drama.
“I’m not one of those guys that’s like ‘I’m signing the contract because I wanna spit in your face and talk trash’, I’m not that guy,” Lashley explained. “I’m the kind of guy that loves competition, so I’d love to be able to fight him and see what he’s all about, see how good he is.”
Despite his eagerness for a potential bout, Lashley offered significant praise for the impact Paul has had on the sport of boxing. He acknowledged that Paul’s involvement has brought increased attention and financial benefits to other fighters.
“At the end of the day, fighting is fighting. Jake is doing some big things in the fight world,” Lashley noted. “He’s helping out boxing tremendously because he’s bringing a lot of eyes to it, and the fighters that are fighting on his card are getting paid really well.”
However, the former MMA fighter also provided a strategic analysis, questioning whether he would be the correct opponent for Paul at this stage of his career. From Lashley’s perspective, for Paul to build true legitimacy, he needs to continue facing seasoned boxers.
“I don’t know if I’m the right match up for him. I think what he needs is some more seasoned boxers to fight because he’s good, he’s actually good,” he stated. “So, if he’s good, he needs to keep fighting boxers that can legitimize him more.”