The controversial American is preparing for the biggest fight of his boxing career on Friday when he faces former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in Miami.

No one expects Paul to win this contest, but he has to be given praise for taking on this challenge and finally facing a legitimate boxer. 

If Paul manages to give a good account of himself, then it may open doors to future bouts with some of boxing's best, but one person he will stay away from is Benavidez. 

'Benavidez is built different' 

Since making his boxing debut five years ago, Paul has become a student of the sweet science and can recognise what makes certain fighters special. 

Speaking to ESPN, Paul listed the four attributes which make Benavidez a special talent and therefore making 'The Mexican Monster' someone to avoid in his boxing career. 

"There's a very short list of people that I wouldn't step into the ring with, and Benavidez is on that list," Paul said. 

"That guy is different. His power, his speed, his cardio, his nonstop punching and relentless pressure. Your punches don't mean s—t to him. He has giant forearms that go from the bottom of his hip to the top of his head. You can't get through his guard.

"You can punch him all you want, but it's not affecting him. Some people are just built different, and Benavidez is one of those guys."

Paul is correct in his assessment of Benavidez. 

He has become one of those fighters who guarantees fireworks, and his beatdown of Anthony Yarde in November is a prime example. 

An endless barrage of clubbing blows eventually broke down a bloodied Yarde in round seven, cementing Benavidez as one of the most entertaining fighters on the planet right now.

But while many would like to have seen him stay at light heavyweight, Benavidez announced that his next bout will be at cruiserweight next May against unified champion Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez.

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