Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul Boxing Match in Miami Sparks Controversy
A highly anticipated boxing match is set to take place in Miami featuring Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, with both fighters reportedly earning about £70 million each. Netflix aims to break previous streaming records, attempting to surpass the 65 million concurrent streams achieved during the Paul versus Tyson fight, in hopes of boosting its subscriber numbers.
The bout has drawn criticism and is framed by some as a 'freak show' that could degrade both Joshua’s reputation and the integrity of the sport itself. Jake Paul, described as having 13 fights and having boxed above cruiserweight only once, notably beat a 58-year-old Mike Tyson. In contrast, Anthony Joshua is a seasoned fighter with a pedigree involving 13-title contests.
Concerns have been raised about the physical mismatch ahead of the fight, with Joshua expected to weigh about three stone more than Paul, and questions persist regarding sanctioning by governing bodies. The article delves into boxing’s social contract and highlights risks such as subconcussive brain injuries associated with the sport.
Critics argue that this fight undermines that social contract despite the potential societal benefits boxing can provide. While some believe Paul is expanding boxing’s audience, the article points out that there is nothing particularly new about this phenomenon, citing historical boxing figures and antics to illustrate that such spectacles are not unprecedented.
In conclusion, the author expresses the belief that the fight is detrimental to Joshua’s reputation and the sport overall, ending with a hope that Jake Paul does not suffer serious harm during the bout.
