Jake Paul: Boxing’s Hero
How the infamous social media star has changed the industry.
Jake Paul might be the most polarizing figure on social media. The once Disney star has recently blown up in the world of boxing, bringing his massive fanbase with him. But even so, calling Jake Paul a boxer will bring confused looks and heated arguments. Many say he shines a bad light on the beautiful science, but the opposite is true. He is bringing much needed eyes to a sport that has needed a big name to boost it up.
Jake Paul is not a skilled boxer, nor will he ever beat the likes of pound-for-pound king Canelo (who he continues to claim he will fight AND beat) but none of that matters. His star power in and outside of the ring is undeniable, drawing in millions of fans to watch each fight.
Boxing is a sport that for many years has struggled to draw in a younger audience. While current stars like Canelo Alvarez (1990-) and Tyson Fury (1988-) certainly draw in a crowd, Jake Paul speaks to a different generation. A generation that knows nothing about boxing, but is intrigued by it.
“There’s room for everyone to eat, though. I don’t want to take everything. This is a sport where there are hundreds of amazing fighters. And all I want to do is bring more eyeballs from a different audience.”
— Jake Paul
He’s bringing attention to the sport, bringing in over a million PPV buys in just his third fight, an accomplishment most boxers can’t get close to.
Many say that Paul is ruining the credibility of the sport with his lackluster skills and somewhat inexperienced (as boxers at least) opponents. However, even boxing’s biggest stars know the impact he is having. Mike Tyson told Shannon Sharpe “No boxer’s ever brought that many people to the network, like Logan and Jake did. They’re bringing money to boxing.”
To truly understand the effect he has on the sport he has to be looked at as a promoter, not a fighter. His press conferences, his YouTube channel, everything he does brings attention to the sport now. He even manages pound-for-pound great female boxer Amanda Serrano, and was key in getting her the biggest fight and payday of her career. He is pushing the boundaries of what a fighter can be.
While hardcore fans might not like it, Jake Paul is exactly what boxing needs right now. Say what you will about his skills, he is clearly invested in the sport and is shining light on lesser known fighters. This rich, immature, arrogant, narcissistic, cancerous internet troll might just bring the sweet science back to its former glory.
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