Last Friday, December 19, the bout between professional pugilist Anthony Joshua and the streamer-turned-boxer Jake Paul took place. The fight was initially viewed by purists of the sport as a farce, at least until the British fighter decided to take matters into his own hands and impose his experience and authority inside the ring.
The British boxer appeared visibly irritated by Paul’s constant running around the ring, as the streamer repeatedly refused to engage and instead tried to drag the rounds to their conclusion without taking serious damage, frequently throwing himself to the canvas to avoid exchanges.
Jake Paul even mocked his opponent at times, despite facing a true professional of the sport of fists, who took the matchup very seriously but was eager for a back-and-forth encounter.
Eventually, Joshua found a way to break through that evasive strategy.
In the fourth round, Joshua finally landed a powerful combination that sent Paul to the canvas. However, and this is admirable, the streamer managed to find the strength to get back on his feet, continue the confrontation, and survive until the sound of the bell.
The sixth round would prove decisive, as Joshua cornered Paul and made it clear that boxing is not a sport one can simply enter while feeling superior to others. It requires preparation from a young age, along with a lengthy amateur process, before reaching the professional level.
Despite everything, the British boxer behaved with class following a victory witnessed by millions of people through Netflix. He congratulated his opponent and made it clear that Paul showed considerable courage by stepping into the ring against him.
Will there be more of Jake Paul in boxing?
All signs suggest that the answer is no. Jake Paul finished the fight with a double fracture of the jaw after a heavy blow from Anthony Joshua that sent him straight to the hospital. What may be commendable, however, is that he once again put boxing in the global spotlight.
For purists of the sport, though, this is not acceptable. A legitimate boxing spectacle requires two fighters who understand the technique and deliver a worthy display of trading blows, with victory going to the one who possesses greater power and more refined skills.
This experiment between a streamer and an internationally renowned fighter served to generate publicity and curiosity, but offered little in terms of quality.
I give him credit for getting in there!”…”big respect to Jake Paul for that show of heart.
Joshua stated after the fight.
It is also worth highlighting the difference in weight and size, which proved to be a key factor. Although Paul did land some solid punches on Joshua, they may have only motivated him to take the contest more seriously.
The European pugilist also added that the fight took longer than he had expected to finish his opponent. Between Paul’s constant movement and time spent on the canvas, it was difficult to land clean punches.
Will Jake Paul return to boxing?
It would seem unlikely. Still, the streamer said he will take time to heal and then return at his original weight class, cruiserweight.
I’ve already won at life.
And indeed, there is no arguing that point.
Read the full article here
