Perhaps the politicians in the pocket of TKO speaking at the Ali Act Boxing Revival Act were right. America boxing is stagnant.
Arguably, boxing’s biggest draw, Jake Paul finally fought a boxer with a pedigree – Anthony Joshua. The former boxing Olympian and heavyweight champion’s career is in its sunset, but he still knows how to box. Paul, whose fame and following were made on social media forced his way into the boxing scene. And maybe due to the theory that boxing is in its decline, Paul carved out a niche boxing career.
On Friday night Paul was exposed by Joshua. He’s still a novice that pick and chose most of his fights. He ran from Joshua, attempted to takedown Joshua several times and was visibly shaken. When he was hit hard in the sixth round, he attempted to play it off by sticking his tongue out and wagging it at him. Of course, this tell is known throughout boxing and he was quickly put away soon thereafter.
While it is admirable that Jake Paul’s following, marketing and money put him in this position to get a huge payday and then get overmatched (anyone remember CM Punk’s foray into MMA), the lack of rising through the ranks likely hurt his career.
While his pro wrestling brother’s career in WWE is skyrocketing, sports entertainment differs from real sport. There is something said for a boxer to start out small and then continue to grind their way to the top.
Clearly, Paul jumped the line. His team handpicked opponents that he could handle and that had a following so that he could beat them. Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley and Nate Diaz were easy marks due to the fact they are older and made a name for themself, yet would probably succumb to Paul.
While old, Joshua was much bigger and stronger than other opponents Paul faced. The ring looked bigger than most and Paul utilized it to run from exchanges to avoid the eventual power of Joshua. Again, gaming the system because he can.
The Paul hype train will likely continue but he’s in a position where he must deliver. Either by choosing a competitive opponent or signing an undercard with more up and coming and entertaining fighters. While the Anderson Silva-Tyron Woodley drew nostalgia, it was clear that only Silva took the fight seriously. As a promoter, Paul could sign fighters with promise that he could fight or put on his own cards.
Being a promoter might be the better path to using his fortune.
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