In a striking commentary on the state of celebrity boxing matches, heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has openly advised Jake Paul to “stop boxing.” This comment comes ahead of Paul’s scheduled fight against legendary boxer Mike Tyson, set to take place in Texas this summer. Jake Paul, who has gained fame through his Internet personality and ventures into boxing by fighting other influencers and MMA fighters, has faced criticism from traditional boxing communities for these matchups, particularly for the upcoming bout due to Tyson’s age—58.
The fight has sparked debate within the boxing community, drawing criticism for what many see as a mismatch and a spectacle rather than a true sporting contest. Usyk’s blunt advice was delivered during a promotional video where he participated in a word association game. When Jake Paul’s name came up, Usyk’s immediate response was succinct: “Stop boxing.” This straightforward critique highlights the skepticism some professional fighters have about celebrities entering the sport without a traditional background or career in boxing.
In addition to his comments on Paul, Usyk was also prompted to describe Paul’s rival, KSI, whom he called a “blogger.” This terminology further underscores the division between traditional boxing and the new wave of internet personalities turning to the sport, often as much for entertainment and profit as for competition.
This isn’t the first time Usyk has expressed such sentiments, reflecting a broader hesitation among professional boxers to fully accept celebrity boxing as part of the sport’s mainstream culture. Usyk himself is preparing for a significant professional bout against Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title later this month—a match steeped in traditional boxing history and significance, contrasting sharply with the spectacle of celebrity boxing.
Usyk’s fight with Fury has faced its own challenges, with multiple postponements adding to the tension and anticipation. Initially scheduled for last April, the match was pushed back several times, most recently due to Fury sustaining a cut during sparring that postponed their February 17 meeting. These delays have only added to the stakes and drama surrounding what is expected to be a pivotal fight in the heavyweight division, marking it as a stark contrast to the entertainment-driven bouts involving figures like Jake Paul.
