How did we even land here? Calling shots and flexing money muscles are the rights of A-listers. But the boxing landscape appears lopsided, with many fans wondering how an influencer, Jake Paul, propelled himself to the helm of everything boxing. If you still doubt whether he is at the center of everything, have a look at some of the champions, from lightweight to heavyweight—they all want a piece of him, whether it’s Gervonta Davis or Daniel Dubois. But why is it actually happening? Is it something personal, or is it all about the money?

Paul, 27, handed a defeat to Mike Tyson on November 15, and many have since jumped the gun, trying to come for his head. Why? Many of them saw ‘Iron Mike’ as one fighter they wanted to emulate; some even took up boxing after watching him fight on the screen. So, all they have is revenge on their heads.

Defending Mike Tyson’s legacy

The huge outcry is for one thing—the fond memories of their favorite fighter are not dented. There is emotional turmoil among the likes of Davis, 30, who didn’t hesitate to express their discontent towards ‘Problem Child’. The fight didn’t turn out to be the way many expected, as the former world champion failed to dish out punishment at an outsider. Rather, he added a loss to his record column with a dismal performance.

Not only did they feel they had been robbed, but they believed boxing as a sport suffered a blow. The sanctity of sweet science took a hit, and ‘Tank’ and Artur Beterbiev want to restore the same. Boxing’s stature has taken a plunge lately, but the influx of crossover boxers has created a dissonance, which now might have reached a tipping point. Before you argue how Paul, at 11-1, is bringing casual fans to boxing, let us remind you that 300 million watched Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazer in 1971, and no, every household didn’t have multiple TV sets or screens, unlike today.

So, the anger is genuine at Paul and his antics. Many saw it as the last straw of the Cleveland native fiddling with the sport. The sentiment of revenge has swamped everyone, as Tyson, 58, stood as the last man of the old generation, which inspired many to pick up boxing gloves. Will they get paid high to do it? Surely. But is it the sole motive? Definitely not.

Jake Paul: finally slaying the beast

When you look at Beterbiev, 39, you see the first undisputed light heavyweight champion of the four-belt era. When you look at Davis, at 30-0, you look at a knockout machine, whom fans love and admire for his exploits in boxing and his gestures to his community. And when you look at Dubois, 27, you see a fighter lined up next to claim the undisputed glory at heavyweight.

So, what do these fighters get to gain from fighting a non-consequential fight in their prime or risk ruining their legacy when they could do it inside the squared circle against the top competitors? They could even fight on Saudi soil and collect huge money bags for a fight that fans want to see.

What’s more? Whoever you put Paul against, whether ‘Triple D’ or Beterbiev, at 21-0, the result would be the same. A KO loss of the YouTuber-turned-prizefighter. Neither they are at the declining slope of their careers nor have crossed an age where their reflexes have diminished considerably. It will be a quick fight, where Paul might suffer a brutal KO, and it effectively curtails his boxing career. And if it were only about money, they don’t need to put their belts on the line, do they?

They are doing it as a bargaining chip to lure in Paul. Will these fights happen? We don’t know. But we know one thing: those will be grand, electrifying affairs with huge paydays on offer, but these boxers would only do it to avenge Tyson’s loss, much like the latter did when he avenged Ali’s loss to Larry Holmes.

What do you make of the likes of Gervonta Davis, Daniel Dubios, and Artur Beterbiev trying to get a date with Jake Paul? Would you watch it? Let us know in the comments below.