Have YouTubers overtaken professional boxers?
Have YouTubers overtaken professional boxers?
The influx of YouTubers and huge internet personalities turning their hand to boxing has caused quite a stir across both the sporting and social media landscapes.
You either love it or you hate it with millions of new eyes on the sport, but many have suggested that the rapid rise to ‘professionalism’ of some fighters is potentially degrading to the sport.
Whether you are more of a Logan Paul man or a Floyd Mayweather follower, there is undoubtedly a debate to be had.
Yes
Quite simply, the numbers do not lie.
If we take it back to the initial stages of YouTube boxing, Logan Paul’s first contest against British star KSI was billed as the “biggest internet event in history”.
And the momentum has hardly halted, Paul somehow ended up in a ring alongside undefeated legend Money Mayweather himself.
But in the technological age we live in, YouTubers, TikTokers and the like are the people capturing the imagination of the young generation.
Social media beef is the new currency of boxing, and it seems to be paying.
Logan Paul’s brother Jake has followed in his footsteps and is set to fight Tyson Fury’s brother and star of Love Island, Tommy Fury on December 18.
There are certainly more eyes on the new style of boxer but traditional professionals are still going strong in their circles and superstars of the sport, such as Canelo Alvarez, are still flying the flag for the “old school”.
The interweaving of YouTubers like the Paul brothers with esteemed boxing professionals is proof that if they have not overtaken the old guard, then they have certainly put a huge dent into their dominance of the sphere.
No
Any true fan of boxing knows there is far more to the sport and its success than simple viewing figures or engagement numbers.
The artistry, bobbing and weaving and the execution of a perfectly timed punch are all the mainstay of proper professional bouts.
YouTube fights are generally uncultured slogging fests that tend to feature more than your fair share of flailing limbs.
That’s not to say that one cannot progress from a social media upstart to a respected professional given time, intense training and dedication to the craft.
But boxing does not win from those looking to make a quick buck or settle some irrelevant internet feud.
Traditional professionals still provide the best value for money entertainment for the trained eye.
Conclusion
Smack talk is nothing new in boxing and the YouTube takeover has certainly caught onto that.
Numbers may soar due to social followings but if it’s stellar action in the ring you want to stick to the more traditional professionals.
Tommy Fury against Jake Paul may be the buzz of the internet, but even though it is about five years overdue - Kell Brook against Amir Khan is the fight you should be looking forward to.
Image Credit: Getty Images