Jake Paul is the most polarizing figure in boxing today; media, fans, and boxers either love or hate him, with no middle ground. While his fans support him to the bitter end, his critics, like former UFC champion Michael Bisping, never stop pointing out the age and quality of his opponents.
Jake Paul’s track record is the most peculiar in boxing. From his fight against YouTuber AnEsonGib, during his beginnings in the so-called influencer boxing, to his fight against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson last November, the “Problem Child” has mostly faced retired fighters or those past their prime.
The best opponent he has faced so far is Tommy Fury, boxer, reality TV personality, and brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. The younger Fury is the only one who has been able to beat Paul, and Michael Bisping already knows why.
Bisping did not hold back in criticizing Paul
In response to a post on X (formerly Twitter) praising Paul’s career, the former UFC middleweight champion wrote, “Sorry to say it but you’re incorrect. He portrays himself as a fighter but in reality, he’s a businessman, and not a fighter by any stretch. Can’t falut him for that. We all wanna make money.”
Bisping, who reigned for a year at 185 lbs, was blunt in saying that Paul “preys on older legends that are way past their prime. A real fighter doesn’t know they’re gonna win and they don’t cherry pick fights. They take fights they know they might loose.”
The former champion didn’t mince his words, saying that’s what makes contact sports exciting. “That’s what’s exciting and inspiring to the average man. Not beating someone way past it, at least 20 years younger. That’s coward sh*t.”
Topuria respects the “Problem Child”
But not all is criticism of Jake Paul. Just as Bisping called him a coward, former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria showed respect for what Paul has achieved for boxing. “One way or another, he makes you go to the TV and watch him fight,” said “El Matador.”
Topuria challenged Paul’s critics to do the same as he has achieved, saying, “You have to give him his credit, you know. And a lot of people says he’s a YouTuber. Do the same thing. Do it. Try doing it.” That’s how Paul’s career has been, with fans and haters hanging on his every move.
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