Jake Paul knocked out Andre August in the first round of their bout at Caribe Royale. But the noise of that uppercut will surely echo across the boxing world. The statement-making show will go a long way toward establishing his name as a serious boxing contender who can take on much bigger boxing names.
‘The Problem Child’ had received flak for his performance against Nate Diaz. The Stockton-born Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist pro-debuted as a boxer at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. However, he managed to take Jake Paul the whole distance. The latter has often been under frequent criticism over his choice of opponents. For the most part, they included retired MMA fighters. Hence, it was pertinent for Jake Paul to score a victory that would put into silence some, if not all, of the skeptics. Fans apart, even many celebrities joined in celebrating Paul’s triumph.
Andre bites the dust! Jake Paul scores the year’s second win
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Almost all were dumbfounded by that thumping uppercut. It simply blew the lights out of André August. World champion Claressa Shields, UFC champion Sean O’Malley, and several others lauded Jake Paul’s latest feat. The entire sequence of Jake Paul knocking out Andre August in the first round with an uppercut seems to have flummoxed combat sports commentator Wade Plum.
OH MY GOD JAKE PAUL KO’S ANDRE AUGUST IN THE 1ST ROUND WITH A NASTY UPPER CUT!!!
Wow..
— Wade Plem (@WadePlem) December 16, 2023
YouTuber Liam Freeman commended Jake Paul’s talent, saying, “Jake Paul is seriously talented.” He said that now if anyone raises a question over it, then they stand on the wrong side.
Jake Paul is seriously talented. Anyone that disagrees is wrong
— Liam Freeman (@LiquidatorPod) December 16, 2023
‘The Problem Child’s uppercut appears to have perplexed undisputed middleweight champion Claressa Shields as well.
An uppercut by J. Paul…. Good for him
— Claressa Gwoat Shields (@Claressashields) December 16, 2023
Nothing but fire called out UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) December 16, 2023
Ariel Helwani, who once again won the MMA Journalist of the Year award, highlighted how Florida has been particularly lucky for Jake Paul.
Jake Paul. Vicious first-round knockout. Florida continues to treat him well. pic.twitter.com/UTQzkkcC9A
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 16, 2023
Finally, this sports writer also, stumped by the uppercut, mentioned how ‘The Problem Child’ won the battle in the opening round.
JAKE PAUL WINS BY KNOCKOUT IN ROUND 1 OMG pic.twitter.com/IAERyW9fRa
— krazzie (@yoennalcides) December 16, 2023
However, a few who reacted did mention the level of competition André August presented. The 35-year-old cruiserweight boxer had been largely absent from the scene for close to four years before making a return this year.
So what’s next for ‘The Problem Child’?
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Either way, the eighth win couldn’t have come at a better time for ‘The Problem Child.’ To many followers, it might be too soon a judgment to pass on how far Paul would go in boxing. However, given that he will turn 27 in another month’s time, he has the advantage of time by his side. While speaking with the media during the final weigh-in, he specified how his focus will remain on boxing in 2024 as well.
Read More: “He’s a Beast He’s a Dog”: Jake Paul Details Why He Chose Andre August for December Fight
Jake Paul can always go back to close the rematch with Tommy Fury. But apart from that, he can gradually build his game by going against more skilled and legitimate boxers who may not be on the tier-A list. Once he has gained enough experience and confidence, perhaps he can get into the next stage, possibly going against a genuine big name.
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What do you think? Was it a statement-making victory for Jake Paul? Please share your views with us in the comments below.
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