The YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has been a polarizing figure in the sport. But his recent performance is turning heads, even among boxing’s elite. Terence Crawford, the unified undisputed welterweight champion, has surprisingly joined Paul’s chorus of admirers.
Crawford’s praise comes after Paul’s impressive sixth-round TKO victory over Mike Perry. Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Crawford didn’t hold back his admiration.
“I think Jake is getting better. He may need to work on his stamina a little bit, but for the most part, I’ve gained a lot of respect for Jake because he’s not a YouTuber that is just boxing just to box. He actually trains and actually wants to get better and actually has got better and really putting his time, focus and energy into boxing, so you’ve got to respect that.” Crawford stated.
Crawford noted Paul’s dedication to the sport, setting him apart from other celebrity boxers. The champion’s praise wasn’t just empty words. He pointed out specific strengths in Paul’s arsenal. You rarely hear a boxing legend compliment a YouTuber’s technique.
Crawford likened Paul’s journey to that of a rising professional boxer. He noted that Paul is still in the “learning process,” building experience with each fight. This praise from Crawford is a far cry from the skepticism ‘The Problem Child’ usually faces. But Crawford’s words have made a dent in the criticism Paul faces. However, he does question some of Paul’s choices.
Terence Crawford Expresses Disappointment in Jake Paul For Potential Mike Tyson Fight
Fight fans know that not all fights are created equal. Some are fan-heavy bouts, while others are skill-heavy fights. But some fights just don’t make sense. This is evident from the latest sign of disapproval from Crawford.
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The undisputed welterweight champion recently weighed in on the proposed Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson bout. His verdict was a resounding thumbs down.“I think Mike Tyson is an icon of boxing, he’s done a lot in boxing, and I just feel like he’s past his prime. He’s old, I don’t want to see Mike get in the ring and get hurt. A fight where he can just go in for the money or the entertainment…With him having his health problems, it’s another added reason I don’t wanna see him in the ring.”
Crawford’s worry stems from the significant age gap between the fighters. Tyson, at 58, would be facing a 27-year-old Paul. It’s worth noting that the fight was originally scheduled for last weekend. However, Tyson had to bow out due to a medical scare. His stance adds to a growing chorus of voices questioning the bout’s wisdom. Many feel it’s more about just money than meaningful competition.
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