Discussions of boxing being a dying sport have been increasing over the last twenty years. While names like Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier and Rocky Marciano were larger-than-life names during their eras, the modern boxer doesn’t seem to draw the same attention as the titans of the past. However after years of decline in interest, it seems that more teens and young adults are tuning into fights and even stepping in the ring themselves.
Living in an era with incredible fighters such as Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Anthony Joshua, and Canelo Alvarez, one would think that these fierce competitors would be responsible for the youth of America looking into the sweet science. However, this generation has turned its attention towards somewhat of an (anti)hero. Admired by preteens and disdained by most functional adults, the Paul brothers have garnered shocking commercial success through their YouTube content. Using their platform to create a boxing event between themselves and other YouTube stars, both Logan and his kid brother Jake cashed in as fans and detractors alike tuned in to watch them either succeed or fall. Jake went on to fight another YouTube star, then a retired basketball player, amassing a “professional” record of 2-0. His brother Logan had supposedly set up a fight with the undefeated Floyd Mayweather, however it has yet to come to fruition. Jake is currently training for his April 17th bout against former mixed martial arts champion Ben Askren. Although that may sound like a bold challenge for the young celebrity, those familiar with Askren will attest that his boxing skills leave something to be desired. Askren found success in combat through wrestling his opponents to the ground and controlling them, a skillset which is completely illegal in the ring. Hopefully for Askren, his years of experience and fight IQ will be able to shut down the young and brash Paul.
It’s great that more young people are taking an interest in boxing, but is this good for the sport? Is it good for a young fighter to see someone be given opportunities due to popularity over skill? Perhaps this new generation will be able to repackage boxing into a more digestible presentation and revive its appeal to the masses. For now we’ll wait with anticipation for Ben Askren to shut down Jake Paul; or for Paul to prove us wrong.
About the Author
When not writing about combat sports, Oliver Swanson dedicates his time and effort to training boxing at Precision Boxing and MMA, the Hudson Valleys premiere boxing academy. Want to learn the sweet science of boxing? Give us a call at (845)392-8495 or click HERE to get started today!
