Jake Paul is taking the 'safe' option by fighting Anderson Silva, Deontay Wilder's coach has claimed.

Paul has spent almost all of his boxing career competing against retired MMA fighters like ex-UFC pair Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley.

Up next he will face Silva next month in Glendale in October.

And according to Malik Scott - who famously trains 'The Bronze Bomber' - it is for good reason as he spoke highly of the YouTube star.

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Boxing News - Deontay Wilder's coach Malik Scott speaks out in defence of Jake Paul

Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva

Anderson Silva takes on Jake Paul on October 29

"I think Jake Paul is good for modern day boxing," Scott told Fair Betting Sites. "He wouldn't even be allowed in because people really judge fighters as fighters, real fighters.

"You had to have a pedigree. You had to be fighting for a cause, things like that. But I think for modern day times, I think he's very good for it because of the revenue that he brings, the light that he brings to the market, the branding that he brings to it.

"So it has to be a good thing. I'm not going against logic and common sense. More eyes are on boxing because not just of Jake Paul, but because of influencers, because of social media, because these guys are boxing.

"The matches are real safe that he's taken. He's not taking real, real chances in my opinion. Even Silva, Silva's a tad bit old.

"Even if you look at him doing boxing exhibitions, he doesn't move as he did. Especially if it's just boxing and not using his legs. Silva's being brought in, he's got a great name.

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"He's a great fighter. But I believe Jake Paul has also become a good fighter as well.

"Is he a world beater? Absolutely not. But is he an influencer fighter?

"Not to me no more. I'm not going to keep saying it because he's actually looking better than some boxers.

"Silva’s technically sound. Like I said, he's older, though. He's not as quick as he used to be.

"His reflexes are not as good as they used to be. But he has the pedigree, he has a good foundation. He knows the difference between stepping to his left and stepping to his right, having a good defence, keeping his hand outs to make guys earn it, to get to his chin.

"He knows how to do those things very well. But I just think he was chosen for a reason. He's a pawn, a part of the Jake Paul story, you can say."


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