President Donald Trump recently endorsed YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul as a legitimate professional boxer during a sit-down interview— and then turned around and suggested Khabib Nurmagomedov as his next opponent.
Trump said he went in skeptical that a non-professional boxer could hang with elite competition, but Paul’s run changed his mind.
I said it’s not possible for a civilian to beat a professional boxer,” Trump said. “You were beating UFC guys who weren’t retired that long. I just didn’t think it was possible. And then I realized — you really are the real deal.
When the conversation shifted to who he’d want to see Paul fight next, Trump didn’t hesitate.
I probably [want to see you fight] Khabib,” Trump said. “How about Khabib? I think he’s been just great.
‘The Problem Child’ came up with an immediate response:
I’m down.
Khabib Nurmagomedov retired from MMA in 2020 with a 29-0 record and has since become one of the most recognizable names in combat sports.
While he has been linked to various crossover boxing discussions over the years, he has never formally competed in the sport.
Jake Paul vs. Logan Paul: “It’s Hard to Smash Your Brother”
Trump also pressed Paul on one of the most-requested matchups in boxing: a fight between Jake and his brother, Logan Paul.
Jake didn’t back down from declaring himself the better boxer — but acknowledged the complications that come with the territory.
I am [the better boxer], sir. I am. Sorry — he knows that, too,” Jake said. “But he’s a better WWE wrestler. I think they need to make him the champion one day.
Trump quickly endorsed the idea: “He’s my favorite.”
Jake was equally clear on why a Paul vs. Paul fight is unlikely to happen soon:
If we fought, I think he knows what would happen. I love you, Logan. But it’s hard to smash your brother.
Logan Paul is currently under contract with WWE, where he has established himself as one of the promotion’s most marketable performers. Jake, meanwhile, is focused on returning to boxing at cruiserweight after recovering from the jaw injury he sustained against Anthony Joshua in December last year.
