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5/11/2021, 12:08pm

Opinion commentary – Celebrity boxing blurs line between sports, entertainment

By Adam Friscia

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Boxing history is replete with flamboyant personalities. Champions such as Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson galvanized fans with their blend of skill and showmanship. However, an emerging trend has taken the world of combat sports by storm. 

Over the past year, numerous pop-culture and media personalities have tried their hand at boxing. Among the contestants, no one has made more noise in the ring than YouTube sensations Jake Paul and Logan Paul. Having mastered the art of self-promotion, the Paul brothers have parlayed their over-the-top personas into boxing fortune. 

While boasting millions of subscribers on YouTube, the duo has transcended online success. With minor acting and rapping endeavors to their credit, few would have predicted Jake or Logan Paul to become marketable athletes. But the Pauls regularly appear on major sporting outlets and have become bona fide boxing stars despite owning novice credentials.

On April 17, 2021, Jake Paul competed in a pay-per-view (PPV) boxing match against former UFC fighter Ben Askren. Although an accomplished wrestler, Askren possessed no boxing experience and had recently undergone hip surgery. For his part, Jake Paul had just two professional matches against non-boxers. Yet the public was unconcerned with the men’s backgrounds and paid top dollar for their bout.

The New York Post reported that Jake Paul’s first round win over Askren generated 1.5 million PPV buys worth an estimated $75 million. Considering that neither man is an actual boxer, the payout from their bout is extraordinary. 

Not to be outdone by his brother, Logan Paul is scheduled to face undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in a June 6, 2021, pay-per-view extravaganza. Logan Paul’s career record stands at zero wins with one loss. Mayweather’s resume includes 50 wins and no losses. To make matters more bizarre, Logan Paul is 18 years younger than Mayweather and outweighs him by 30 pounds.

Purists contend that celebrity matches are more akin to professional wrestling than boxing. They bemoan the circus atmosphere created by these events and blame boxing fans for supporting the charade. Perhaps they are right. But it is a buyer beware world. And if audiences are willing to pay for these spectacles, it is hard to argue against them.

The rise of celebrity boxing has blurred the line between sports and entertainment. Where things go from here is unclear, but one thing is certain. The Paul brothers will continue fighting provided there is money to be made. You can bank on it.

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