![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-11-18T043010Z_2060312267_MT1USATODAY21921198_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PHOENIX-SUNS-AT-UTAH-JAZZ.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 17, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts to making a three point shot against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-11-18T043010Z_2060312267_MT1USATODAY21921198_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PHOENIX-SUNS-AT-UTAH-JAZZ.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 17, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts to making a three point shot against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Paul has come a long way. From pulling off childish stunts on YouTube for the sole purpose of increasing his subscriber count to becoming a mature and disciplined boxer with a 9-1 professional record, his career took a drastic turn. Who knew that an amateur boxing fight against fellow Youtuber Deji, a rivalry forged out of back-and-forth badly made diss tracks, would eventually lead ‘The Problem Child’ to take up boxing as a life-long professional pursuit?
“I lacked discipline, lacked routine, lacked community, lacked passion, lacked progress. Boxing gave me all of those things, and I loved punching people and getting punched! I love the pace of it, the strategy, everything behind it. It’s an art,” Paul had once stated in an interview.
All things considered, will the basketball legend Kevin Durant be audacious enough to challenge the Ohio native? In a recent sit-down interview with the Impaulsive gang, he revealed why it wouldn’t be a good idea to square up against the former Disney star. The answer lies in Jake Paul’s win column.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Strong No from Kevin Durant!
In the latest Impaulsive episode, Logan Paul asked Phoenix Suns Power Forward Kevin Durant, “Will you ever throw down? Will you ever take celebrity fights?” His response was, “No!”
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/jake-paul-boxing.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Getty
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 30: Jake Paul celebrates after defeating AnEsonGib in a first round knockout during their fight at Meridian at Island Gardens on January 30, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
But, the next question from ‘The Maverick’ turned a mild “no” into a loud and clear “hell no!”. “Against Jake Paul?” Logan Paul asked, and Kevin Durant wanted no smoke whatsoever!
“Hell no…I see how he did with couple of NBA players…This man has been training for a long time boy,” Durant said. For those who aren’t familiar with Jake Paul’s body of work, early into his professional career, he went up against NBA player Nate Robinson in 2020 on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s exhibition boxing match vs Roy Jones Jr. The result was a devasting second-round stoppage that sent Robinson to the shadow realm. A trio of knockdowns preceded the KO punch that sealed Nate’s fate. For any newcomer, wanting to have a showdown with the ‘Problem Child’ in the squared circle, that performance would have instilled fear in them. It seems Durant was one of them.
What’s your perspective on:
Is Kevin Durant right to avoid Jake Paul, or is he just scared of a real challenge?
Have an interesting take?
Paul has a reputation for ending his fights early. With six knockouts in ten fights, he has made his reputation as a KO artist. Although he hasn’t fought any elite boxers, he has put the likes of MMA veterans like Ben Askren and Tyron Woodley to sleep. With the desire to become a world champion, he has already spent almost six years learning and honing his craft. One doesn’t need to be that sharp to see why Durant wouldn’t be interested in fighting the ‘Problem Child’ in his potential debut boxing fight.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nevertheless, Jake Paul will be fighting BKFC star Mike Perry on July 20, after his bout with Tyson got postponed due to an unforeseen ulcer flare-up during a cross-country flight in May. With less than two weeks remaining for the showdown, the verbal warfare reached its crescendo when Perry went on an NSFW verbal onslaught at the Cleveland native during an Instagram live session.
The dirty language of violence!
Not too long ago, Perry went on a rant, insulting Jake Paul and his co-host Kill Jasper. He started off his verbal assault with, “F**k both of you all, you f**king f***ots”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Then came a barrage of insults, safe to say, showed absolutely no respect for his upcoming opponent. Wait till I see you b**ch a**. F**k you. You a p**sy… Iamma knock your f**king teeth out. Look at your loose a** teeth, your weird a** f**king face… not symmetrical…” Perry mouthed off furiously. But the verbal tirade didn’t seem to bother Paul one bit as he and the co-host laughed at Perry losing the plot.
Do you think Paul is now a dangerous opponent for anyone coming from a non-combat background? Could you suggest any names from the celebrity sphere who could take down Jake Paul? Let us know in the comment section below.
Debate
Is Kevin Durant right to avoid Jake Paul, or is he just scared of a real challenge?