In a surprising change of tone, controversial influencer and former kickboxer Andrew Tate has offered public praise for Jake Paul ahead of his December 19 boxing match against former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Once a vocal critic of the Paul brothers, Tate now says he holds “total respect” for the YouTube star’s decision to step into the ring with an elite-level fighter.
“Huge respect for Jake Paul,” Tate stated in a recent interview. “It takes serious bravery to take this fight. I hope they both come out unscathed.” The comments mark a significant evolution in Tate’s perspective as he simultaneously prepares for his own return to combat sports.
From Critic to Admirer: Tate’s Changed Perspective
Tate’s history with the Paul brothers has been contentious, filled with public jabs and dismissals of their boxing credentials. However, the announcement of Paul’s fight against Anthony Joshua—a two-time unified heavyweight world champion—appears to have changed Tate’s calculus.
“You have to recognise when someone is putting it all on the line,” Tate explained. “This isn’t another influencer or an ageing MMA fighter. This is Anthony Joshua. Whatever you think of Jake, you can’t question his nerve for taking this challenge.”
Tate’s shift seems rooted in a fighter’s understanding of risk. At 27, Paul is venturing far beyond the “celebrity boxing” realm that built his record, facing an opponent with vastly more experience and proven knockout power at the highest level of the sport.
Understanding the Stakes of a Dangerous Fight
The December matchup carries immense risk for Paul. Anthony Joshua (28-3, 25 KOs) is one of the most formidable heavyweights of his generation, while Paul (9-1, 6 KOs) has never faced a professional boxer of this calibre. The fight will be contested over eight three-minute rounds under standard professional rules.
“This could be the end for Jake if he’s not prepared,” Tate noted, acknowledging the stark reality of the matchup. “Joshua is a different beast entirely. But that’s exactly why Jake deserves credit. He’s not playing it safe.”
Tate also touched on the broader implications for the sport, suggesting that such crossover events, while controversial, bring new attention and revenue to boxing—a point he seems to appreciate more as he reignites his own fighting career.
Tate’s Parallel Comeback in Dubai
As Paul prepares for his high-profile test, Andrew Tate is also mapping his own return. He’s scheduled to face Chase DeMoor for the Misfits Boxing heavyweight title on December 20 in Dubai—just one day after the Paul-Joshua showdown.
This comeback is personally significant for Tate, who retired from professional kickboxing in 2016 due to a detached retina. His return to competition, even in a different rule set, appears to have fostered a new empathy for fighters taking career-defining chances.
“We’re all in this world trying to prove something,” Tate said, connecting his journey to Paul’s. “When you see someone step up like this, you respect it. The old grudges don’t matter.”
Whether Tate’s newfound respect translates into lasting camaraderie remains to be seen, but for now, the outspoken commentator is giving credit where he feels it’s due—even to a former rival.
