Who says you can’t rewrite your own story in the squared circle? Jake Paul, the digital phenomenon turned boxing’s must-see attraction, is penning a tale that’s making both critics and cynics eat their words one punch at a time. Gone are the days when his name was merely synonymous with YouTube pranks and viral videos – now it echoes through arena halls with a different kind of resonance. The Tommy Fury chapter of 2023 wasn’t just another fight – it was Paul’s graduation ceremony in the school of hard knocks. Against a born-and-bred boxer, ‘The Problem Child’ showed he could take punches and criticism amidst setbacks.
However, his biggest skeptics say that he cherry-picks his opponents like a playlist curator. While that may be true as evident in his battles against over-the-hill MMA fighters like Nate Diaz, Tyron Woodley, and Anderson Silva. Despite the criticism, the younger Paul brother maintains that he is gradually leveling up his competition and working toward fighting elite boxers. However, it seems that former UFC 185lbs champ Michael Bisping isn’t too thrilled about this change in plans.
And this was evident when ‘The Count’ took to his X account to share his honest opinion on the boxing sensation: “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 fault him for that. We all wanna make money. But he 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 lose. 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 s–t!”
Sorry to say it but you’re incorrect.
He portrays himself as a fighter but in reality he’s a business man and not a “fighter” by any stretch. Can’t fault him for that. We all wanna make money.
But He preys on older legends that are Way past their prime. A real fighter doesn’t… https://t.co/o05ePu8iwM
— michael (@bisping) February 23, 2025
However, not everyone is a critic of the 28-year-old spectacle. One of his biggest admirers is former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. ‘El Matador’ is without a doubt one of the most elite boxers in the UFC and works tirelessly to refine his technique. The Spanish-Georgian recently weighed in on his plans in the sport. However, he also took time to appreciate Jake Paul for the work he has put in for the sport of boxing.
Ilia Topuria credits Jake Paul for helping the sport of boxing grow
What makes Jake Paul stand out is his unique ability to merge showmanship with genuine boxing aspirations. While many initially brushed off his career as a publicity stunt, he has steadily taken on tougher opponents, silencing some of his doubters along the way. Even Ilia Topuria has acknowledged Paul’s impact on the sport, praising his role in growing its popularity.
During a chat on the Full Send podcast, Topuria didn’t shy away from expressing his interest in stepping into the world of celebrity boxing once his MMA career comes to an end. At the same time, he acknowledged Paul’s influence, giving him credit for elevating the sport’s popularity. He said, “You have to respect that. One way or other, he makes you to go to the TV and watch him fight. And you have to give him his credit you know. And a lot of people say he’s a YouTuber – do the same thing. Do it. Try doing it.”
Topuria indeed has a point! Paul’s impact on boxing goes beyond his fights—he’s brought fresh energy to the sport. His pay-per-view events have drawn in a younger audience, many of whom had little interest in boxing before he stepped into the ring. By blending viral marketing with high-profile matchups, Paul has redefined how boxing is promoted and consumed in the modern era. What do you feel about Jake Paul’s contribution to boxing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post “He Preys on Older Legends” – UFC Hall-of-Famer Calls Out ‘Coward’ Jake Paul for Cherry-Picking Fights in Brutally Honest Verdict appeared first on EssentiallySports.