Jesus Christ. The boxing world never fails to make me feel like I'm watching a reality TV show written by coked-up monkeys. I've been following this Jake Paul saga since 2021, and every time I think we've hit peak absurdity, they find a way to crank it up another notch.
So here's teh latest drama: Jake Paul nearly landed a fight with the "modern Mike Tyson" after his Canelo Alvarez negotiations imploded spectacularly. I was at a bar in Phoenix when the news broke about Canelo walking away, and my buddy Steve (who's been a boxing ref for 12 years) nearly choked on his nachos.
The Canelo Deal That Went Up in Smoke
Paul and his team were thisclose to announcing a May 3 Las Vegas showdown with Canelo. They'd spent months in talks with Al Haymon and PBC. Contracts were practically being printed. Then Canelo pulled the rug out at the last second to sign some massive four-fight deal with the Saudis.
Money talks. Everything else walks.
I spent $200 on tickets to a viewing party that never happened. Still bitter about that one.
Wait... Tank Davis vs. Jake Paul?!
After the Canelo disappointment, Paul's business partner Nakisa Bidarian pivoted to discussions about a potential Gervonta "Tank" Davis fight. If you don't follow boxing closely, this is wild. Tank is considered by many (including my old-school uncle who's watched every major fight since 1978) to be the "modern Mike Tyson" - a compact destroyer with terrifying power.
Bidarian told SunSport: "Gervonta Davis, other than Jake Paul, is the only American pay-per-view box office star. And, Gervonta has called Jake a clown multiple times and said he could beat him with one hand tied behind his back."
The two fighters apparently have this weird respect-hate relationship. Like exes who still follow each other on Instagram.
Brooklyn Drama and Missed Opportunities
Paul and Bidarian showed up ringside in Brooklyn last month for Davis' fight against Lamont Roach. Everyone assumed they were there to announce something huge after the fight. I actually texted my editor that night: "This is gonna be wild if they actually do this." His response: "Already updating my boxing predictions article."
But then Davis-Roach ended in that controversial draw. Remember that moment when Davis touched down with his glove but somehow avoided getting a knockdown scored against him? The boxing forums went nuclear.
Turns out Paul wasn't there to sign anything concrete. Bidarian later explained they were basically scouting, saying, "Jake didn't have a signed contract to fight anyone but I think part of being there was seeing what Tank was able to do."
The Seven-Stone Problem
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. There's a SEVEN STONE weight difference between these guys' fighting weights. That's around 98 pounds for my American friends. Imagine me fighting a refrigerator.
Because of this absurd size gap, any potential Paul-Davis matchup would've been an exhibition. Which... honestly... makes the whole thing even more ridiculous.
But whatever. Davis is now scheduled to rematch Roach this summer anyway.
So What's Next for the YouTube Boxing Menace?
After beating 58-year-old Mike Tyson last November (a fight that made me feel uncomfortable and fascinated at the same time), Paul is planning two fights for 2025.
I was at a sports bar in Chicago for that Tyson fight. The place was packed with people who hadn't watched boxing in a decade. Say what you want about the ethics... 100 MILLION people watched on Netflix.
According to Bidarian: "We're actively working on putting together Jake's fight for this summer. And we'll announce it as soon as we're ready. And then we're actively working on figuring out Jake's next fight – call it October to December time frame."
The plan is apparently for Paul to fight twice in 2025 and "two to three times in 2026." I've got $40 riding on at least one of those being against another retired athlete. My money's on a former NFL player. Those guys love a payday.
Back in 2019, I laughed when someone told me Jake Paul would become a legitimate draw in boxing. I feel stupid now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic punches in boxing?
The basic punches of boxing are the jab (a quick straight punch with the lead hand), the cross (a powerful straight punch with the rear hand), the hook (a semicircular punch that is aimed to the side of the opponent's body or head), and the uppercut.
Can boxing help improve mental health?
Boxing is a great way to improve your mental health. It can reduce stress, enhance mood, boost self-esteem and discipline. The concentration required to train can also be used as a form meditation. It helps clear the brain and improves concentration.
What is the proper stance when boxing?
Classic boxing stance is standing with the feet shoulder-widths apart, leading foot forward and rear foot at 45-degree angles. Your weight should be balanced on your ball of the feet. Your knees need to be slightly bent. Your hands should be raised to protect your face. Keep your elbows tucked into your torso to protect it.
What is the importance of breathing in boxing?
In boxing, breathing correctly is crucial. It helps you maintain your stamina and energy levels, as well as keep you relaxed while training or during a match. To effectively manage your oxygen input and output, exhale strongly with each punch.
What equipment am I required to start boxing?
To begin boxing, you require essential gear for safety and effective training. Boxing gloves are essential, as well as hand wraps for protecting your wrists and fingers, a protective mouthguard and a headgear when sparring. In addition, athletic clothing and boxing boots are recommended for greater support and better movement.
Statistics
- Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.
- Nearly 80% of boxing training injuries are related to incorrect technique, especially within the first three months of taking up the sport.
- Despite the stereotype that boxing is a young person's sport, approximately 20% of all beginners are over the age of 40.
- Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
- Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
- An analysis of boxing workouts demonstrates that participants can maintain a heart rate at 75-85% of their maximum, which is the optimal range for cardiovascular training.
- Roughly 75% of beginners do not employ adequate defensive tactics in their first sparring sessions.
- Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
- It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
- Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
External Links
How To
How to throw a punch in boxing
The jab punch is the most basic in boxing. Start in a boxing stance and extend your lead arm straight toward the target. Rotate your fist to the point of impact so that your palm is facing down. Snap your hand immediately back to protect your face. The jab should be a fast, straight punch used both offensively and defensively, so keep it sharp and precise to set up combinations or keep an opponent at bay.
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