Jake Paul's journey from YouTube star to professional boxer has split the boxing world. Some experts praise his dedication, while others demand he face tougher opponents to prove himself.
Darren Till, a former UFC fighter, stands in Paul's corner. He believes Paul has earned his stripes in the sport, saying he "trains like a boxer, lives like a boxer and breathes like a boxer."
On the other side of the ring, Bernard Hopkins, a former world champion, isn't convinced. He argues Paul needs to beat opponents with "legitimacy" to be considered a true professional.
Paul's past victories over older boxing legends like Mike Tyson (58) and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (39) have only added fuel to this debate. These wins have left many questioning whether Paul is ready for the big leagues or if he's just riding the coattails of aging stars.
Now, there's talk of a potential fight between Paul and Anthony Joshua, the former unified heavyweight champion. This matchup could be Paul's chance to silence his critics once and for all.
But not everyone thinks this fight should happen. On talkSPORT, boxing commentators Adam Catterall and Gareth A. Davies voiced their concerns.
"Jake Paul is a British area level fighter at best," Davies said. "Anthony Joshua is a killer and a heavyweight with life. This fight should not be sanctioned anywhere in the world."
Catterall echoed these worries:
"It's dangerous and it discredits the sport. The talent gap between an Olympic gold medallist and a former TV presenter is just too big."
As the debate rages on, Paul finds himself at a crossroads. He'll need to prove whether he's a "legitimate boxer" or just a "marketing product." His next fight could be the defining moment of his career.
For boxing fans, the controversy around Paul's legitimacy keeps things interesting. But for the sport itself, there are bigger questions at stake. Will Paul's presence in professional boxing boost its popularity or damage its credibility? Only time will tell.
