JAKE PAUL backed Anthony Joshua to 'rise again as great champions do' but was left stunned by Oleksandr Usyk's win.

The YouTube star watched on in disbelief as Usyk put on a 12-round masterclass to dethrone Britain's AJ.

Paul, 24, recorded his reaction as Joshua, 31, barely survived the final round before going on to surrender his belts on points.

Despite his shock, the social media sensation, who is unbeaten in four fights, was full of encouragement for former champion AJ.

He tweeted: "@usykaa showed us a beautiful boxing performance… hats off…

"@anthonyjoshua has been here before and he will rise again as great champions do.

"Damn I’m shook I wanted Joshua to win."

Joshua, who is set to exercise his right to an immediate rematch with Usyk, has also been a supporter of Paul's boxing career.

The American recently beat ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley, 39, in his biggest win to date.

It followed knockouts of online rival 'AnEsonGib', ex-NBA star Nate Robinson and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, both 37.

His splash onto the boxing scene has not convinced everybody, but AJ was among those to credit Paul.

Joshua told iFL TV: "Great for boxing. He's trying, zero amateur experience, throwing himself in the deep end.

“He'll probably learn a lot more than a lot of fighters, throwing himself in the deep end, putting himself under pressure. Good luck to him."

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