Former boxing star Shawn Porter states there is both good news and bad news for Jake Paul ahead of his fight against Anthony Joshua — The good news? The “fixed fight” rumors will cease after Friday. The bad news? It may be due to a challenging night for him.

The 38-year-old champion joined TMZ Sports before the significant bout scheduled to occur in a few hours on Netflix … and he shared his insights on El Gallo facing the most significant challenge of his career — an active former heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist.

Porter asserts that anyone who actually competes knows Jake’s match against then-58-year-old Mike Tyson was not fixed — the legend was simply past his prime and out of shape. Joshua, in contrast, is in peak condition.

So when the two enter the ring in Miami … Porter believes this will provide the conclusive evidence the skeptics need to quiet down — because Joshua is 36 years old, not retired, and a current fighter who will likely handle the former YouTuber with ease.

It is important to note — Paul’s fights are absolutely NOT fixed — and staging fights is highly illegal. Paul and his team have repeatedly denied any involvement in such activities … and have threatened legal action against anyone who makes such claims.

Porter mentions there should not be a moment in the eight-round event where AJ is on the ropes getting beaten … but he would actually appreciate it if Joshua refrains from going for a full knockout out of “respect” for Paul taking on this challenging fight.

However, Porter did state that if Jake manages to land a solid punch on AJ, it should be appreciated for what it is … noting that Joshua is slightly older now and has been knocked down by heavyweights recently.

So regardless of what occurs … deal with it. Even if Jake Paul surprises everyone and wins, which Porter finds highly improbable.