YouTube sensation Jake Paul transitioned into boxing back in 2018 and has made quite a name for himself in the sport since. He is currently undefeated and is now set to face former UFC middleweight champion, Anderson Silva, on October 29th. However, The Problem Child has often been criticized for not facing a real boxer and only taking on former NBA players and retired MMA fighters.
Despite his lack of competition though, Paul was compared to arguably the greatest boxer ever, Muhammad Ali. In an interview with FightHype, WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, addressed the criticism garnered towards Paul from fans.
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He stated that Ali was also criticized during his boxing days, but went on to become the greatest boxer ever. “People did not like Muhammad Ali. Half of the people who watched Ali fight at the time wanted him to lose. And today he is regarded as the greatest athlete in the history of humanity,” he said.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman on boxing fans' criticism of Jake Paul: "People did not like Muhammad Ali. Half of the people who watched Ali fight at the time wanted him to lose. And today he is regarded as the greatest athlete in the history of humanity." [@FightHype]
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) October 27, 2022
This was reported by Talksport journalist Michael Benson, who quoted Sulaiman’s statement. However, even he came under fire from UFC veteran Matt Brown, who called out Benson for comparing Paul and Ali.
Matt Brown calls out a journalist for comparing Jake Paul and Muhammad Ali
Brown stated that Benson should be fired from his job for making such a blasphemous comparison. “Whatever Michael’s job is he should be fired for this. Comparing Jake Paul to Muhammad fu***g Ali???” wrote Brown.
Whatever Michael’s job is he should be fired for this. Comparing Jake Paul to Muhammad fucking Ali??? https://t.co/sFFw69fMU2
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) October 28, 2022
The MMA legend’s harsh words seemed a little far-fetched, as Benson only quoted Sulaiman’s statement. Despite this, Brown was not shy to sound off on the journalist. Fans were also quick to point out that these were not Benson’s words.
Read More: Tyron Woodley ‘Flying’ to Arizona as Backup for Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva
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One fan stated that this statement was made by the WBC president, who had very close ties with Paul. He also claimed that Sulaiman runs one of the most crooked sports in the world and he did not expect anything else from him.
While Paul has certainly achieved laurels in the sport, it is safe to say that it is unlikely he will reach the heights Ali did. However, this should not be upsetting for The Problem Child, as there has been no man yet who has matched the caliber of the GOAT.
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Paul now has to prove that he can hold up to his hype by beating Silva next. Do you think he can shush his haters by pulling off an incredible win? Let us know in the comments.