In the world of boxing, there are few names that have garnered as much attention and controversy as Jake Paul. The YouTube star turned professional boxer has been making headlines with his unconventional career choices and his recent fight against Mike Tyson was no exception. However, amidst all the criticism and backlash, one voice stood out in support of Jake Paul – that of Claressa Shields.
During an interview with TMZ a month ago, Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed middleweight champion, defended Jake Paul against the constant criticism he faces. She said, “They criticize him because of who he picks to fight, not exactly how he fights.” This statement holds a lot of truth and sheds light on the unfair treatment that Jake Paul has been receiving from the boxing community.
The discussion about Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson at the Cowboys Stadium has been ongoing since the announcement of the special rules fight. Many have criticized the fight, calling it a mere spectacle and a mockery of the sport of boxing. However, Claressa Shields’ comments bring to light the underlying issue of sexism in the boxing world.
It is no secret that Jake Paul has been facing a lot of backlash for his choice of opponents. Many have accused him of cherry-picking his opponents and avoiding real challenges. However, this criticism is not based on his skills as a boxer, but rather on the fact that he has chosen to fight fellow YouTubers and retired athletes instead of professional boxers. This double standard is evident when we look at other celebrity boxers like Floyd Mayweather, who have also fought non-boxers without facing the same level of criticism.
Moreover, the criticism towards Jake Paul also stems from the fact that he is a social media influencer and not a traditional boxer. This has led to many dismissing his skills and achievements in the ring, despite his impressive record of 3-0. Claressa Shields’ comments highlight the sexist attitude towards female boxers and non-traditional boxers like Jake Paul, who are often not given the same level of respect and recognition as their male counterparts.
It is important to note that Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson was not a traditional boxing match. It was a special rules fight, where both fighters were not allowed to knock each other out. This was done to ensure the safety of both fighters, as Mike Tyson is 54 years old and Jake Paul is relatively new to the sport. However, this decision was met with a lot of criticism, with many calling it a “fake fight” and questioning its legitimacy.
But as Claressa Shields rightly pointed out, the criticism towards Jake Paul is not about the rules of the fight, but rather about who he is as a person. The constant attacks on his character and his skills as a boxer are a reflection of the toxic culture in the boxing world. Instead of appreciating his dedication and hard work, many have chosen to discredit his achievements and label him as a “problem child.”
It is time for the boxing community to recognize and appreciate the efforts of non-traditional boxers like Jake Paul. His success in the ring is a testament to his hard work and determination, and it is unfair to dismiss it based on his background or gender. As Claressa Shields said, “They don’t know boxing,” and it is time for us to change that.
In conclusion, Claressa Shields’ comments on Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson shed light on the underlying issues of sexism and double standards in the boxing world. Instead of constantly criticizing and belittling non-traditional boxers, we should celebrate their achievements and give them the respect they deserve. Jake Paul may be a controversial figure, but his dedication and passion for the sport of boxing should not be overlooked. Let us focus on the positive and support all boxers, regardless of their background or gender.
