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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 18: Jake Paul fights Tyron Woddley during a rematch of an eight-round cruiserweight bout at the Amalie Arena on December 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 18: Jake Paul fights Tyron Woddley during a rematch of an eight-round cruiserweight bout at the Amalie Arena on December 18, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
One of the oldest governing bodies of boxing, WBA (World Boxing Association) stunned the sports enthusiast by crowning the Youtuber turned professional boxer, Jake Paul, with the championship belt. Highlighting the Ohio native’s contribution to sports, the WBA presented this belt as a token of motivation and discipline.
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At the WBA convention held this week, ‘The Problem Child’ was honored with this gesture. Bernard Hopkins, the former middleweight legend, presented it to Paul. But Paul did not seem convinced. He denied taking the belt he never fought for.
He said, “I feel like I haven’t earned this yet though. I feel like I have to actually fight for this. This isn’t mine yet, I’m gonna use it as motivation.”
When Michael Benson of talk sports reported it on Twitter, it became a big deal for fans.
The WBA awarded Jake Paul with a world title belt as he attended their convention this week. Jake reacted: "I feel like I haven't earned this yet though. I feel like I have to actually fight for this. This isn't mine yet, I'm gonna use it as motivation." pic.twitter.com/6rtIdvBUI8
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) December 16, 2022
They did not like it, and this is very evident when you go through their remarks.
A fan wrote, “ERRRRRR What does this say about boxing when the WBA award Jake Paul a belt for doing nothing.Boxing is real dirty man.”
ERRRRRRR
What does this say about boxing when the WBA award Jake Paul a belt for doing nothing.Boxing is real dirty man.
— Raj (@SilkyJohnson2nd) December 16, 2022
That’s boxing for you. Rewarding YouTubers boxing belts for fighting against retired old mma fighters. Embarrassing
— Dai Williams 🏴 (@DaiWilliams10) December 16, 2022
As the years go on I find it harder and harder to stay as invested in boxing as I once was. This is a perfect example why, it’s an absolute clown show
— Joe Devarenne (@jdev603) December 16, 2022
Isn’t the the WBA the ones trying to rank him? It’s all politics and money. Boxing is in a really bad place right now.
— Mutated cheese (@harlemboyzzz) December 16, 2022
Overall fans are really offended by WBA’s move.
Read more- ‘I Couldn’t Breathe’: Jake Paul Destroys Youtuber During Boxing Training
A fan went against all by admiring Paul. He claimed that Paul has done more for boxing than any other established fighter.
Jake has done more for Boxing than some of yall favorite active fighters. Why yall HATE so damn much. He will get a real fight one day but if he don't he still did more than some of your active fighters
— KING👑 (@Jeremy_Sports) December 16, 2022
Boxing is getting further and further away from being a serious sport
— Bear (@bearhandedguy) December 16, 2022
Why Fans are so upset with Jake Paul being honored?
The 25-year-old controversial boxer has never been to a championship fight. It’s his social media image that created a buzz. Since he turned professional, he has had 6 fights. Though he remains undefeated, his wins were not so convincing because the opponents he chose were not legit boxers.
Despite this, ‘The Problem Child’ manages to sell his fights more than championship contests. On the business scale, he did far better than many world champions.
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So when the WBA honored him with the belt, serious boxing fans questioned it. They claimed that this move is heavily influenced by politics and money.
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – JUNE 03: Jake Paul takes part in media availability at 5th St. Gym ahead of his August 28th boxing match against Tyron Woodley on June 03, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images).
What do you think of WBA’s gesture? Do you think it’s mockery? Let us know in the comments below.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Boxing News Roundup (December 4, 2022). Fury Dominates Chisora in a Trilogy, Tristan Tate Invites Paul in Exchange for a Bugatti and More
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