I've said this before, but the "boxing ain't what it used to be" gripe has probably been around as long as boxing itself. I can remember my dad and my grandad both saying it in the 70s and 80s and we forget that the modern professional sport started as prize fights in boxing booths on the fairgrounds of Regency England, when it was quite literally staged alongside people wrestling bears and badger baiting. People have always loved watching mismatches, or at least they have done ever since Roman prisoners were forced to fight lions or a heavily armed and armoured but cumbersome murmillo faced off against a retiarius equipped only with a net and a trident. That said, I get why ex-MMA guys (purses are shockingly poor for all but the megastars) would want to fight Jake Paul and poor old Mike Tyson probably had a huge tax bill or divorce settlement to pay or something, but I don't understand why AJ would want to risk what's left of his reputation with such a bout, as a victory would prove nothing and a humiliating loss albeit unlikely, is only one lucky punch away. His net worth must be in the tens of millions, so it's not as if he needs the money. And as for why Geronta Davis would want to involve himself in such nonsense, the same reasoning applies but double it and add 100. I'm really happy for Wardley, but that's a shame as I was really looking forward to a part-timer from Ipswich potentially (although very unlikely) ending up as undisputed heavyweight champion!
An elite level pro will pick him apart and flatten him. Think Michael Watson or Marlon Starling type fighters.
AJ’s a big nasty, spiteful fucker. Forget the Eddie Hearn Matchroom created Box Office AJ. It’s all fake to maximise marketing shizz. My guess is AJ hates Jake Paul and would love nothing more than to knock him into next week on a world stage. And knock him into next week he will. JP should think long and hard about getting through the ropes for this one. If AJ’s got the hump with him, JP’s health is in jeopardy for sure
He's actually ranked between 5th and 2nd at welterweight (depending on the sanctioning body) and Ring even have him at 4th as a middleweight, which seems generous tbh.
He’s certainly lively and entertaining. He gives it what for. I believe Terence Crawford fought at welterweight? Now I’d watch that match up!
Yeah… I was thinking pretty much the same when writing the post. Is this just the age old case of a codger adding to the list of stuff that is starting to bewilder him? And with a life time nurtured cynical streak that can make for a pretty long list.… Although counter to that is the age old naivety of youth and people ready to profit from it. Same as it ever was/will be I suppose. Tbf the AJ & Paul contest definitely has that car crash attraction that mismatches provide, if only because it would be wonderful to see either of them spectacularly fail. AJ to not be able to deal with an online influencer and Paul to finally realise what a seriously dangerous game he’s trying to play. However cynicism invariably kicks in with suspicions it’ll be a disappointing pat a cake affair. And massive publicity and ticket sales don’t necessarily mean it’s boxing.
So true. Remember the Tyson & Jake fight? Hype for a year & then snooze... Though AJ will be slaughtered in the boxing media unless he knocks Jake out cold within seconds so...
