Misfits X Series 17 is set to go ahead on Saturday night in Dublin as popular streamer and YouTuber Danny Aarons takes on former footballer and Premier League winner Danny Simpson in Dublin. As ever, fans are sure to watch their favorite internet and reality TV stars with keen interest, but Jake Paul has pointed out one ‘main problem with influencer boxing’ that viewers may be wise to watch for.
Originally a pioneer of influencer boxing, Jake Paul (10-1) has carved out a career for himself by becoming a professional boxer in recent years, moving on from fights against fellow YouTuber’s AnEsonGib and Deji to UFC superstars and recognised professional fighters. Still, Paul’s name is one that comes with controversy, as he prepares to face legendary two-time heavyweight champion ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson later this year, almost two decades since the hard-hitting fan-favourite hung up the gloves.
However, when reflecting upon the differences between the current state of influencer boxing and his rise that came from it, ‘The Problem Child’ identified that there is a reason why he the scene is now ‘dead’. In an interview with IFN Boxing, Paul slated the tired repetitiveness of recent pay-per-view events and the lack of talent on display.
Jake Paul’s stance on the state of influencer boxing 👀🍿
(via @IfnBoxing) pic.twitter.com/05jiErRfHN
— betr (@betr) August 24, 2024
“Yeah, [YouTube boxing is dead], it is. At the end of the day, it gets old watching people hit like this [with their wrists] and s**t. Unless people are getting better and progressing, then why would we keep on giving $40 or however many dollars it is to watch these fights where it’s some bull***t. The hype isn’t there anymore. It’s the same thing – s**t talk, fight, s**t talk, fight and then they just suck.
“Not many of the fighters are improving, I think that is the main problem.”
Regardless of Paul’s opinion on the card, Aarons and Simpson will headline the DAZN PPV despite neither ever appearing on a Misfits show in the past, and thus providing viewers with a sense of uncertainty in regards to their respective abilities.
Yet, the prospect of appearing on further cards in the future does not seem to have been enough for the unproven duo, with former Manchester United and Leicester City right-back Simpson agreeing to put his Premier League winners’ medal on the line on fight night, confident that his experience as a professional athlete will serve him well.
“I don’t mind shaking hands because that’s not going to happen. You’re only saying that because it’s the closest time Spurs [who Aarons supports] will ever get to a medal.”
The Misfits x DAZN Series 17 card will be available to watch live on DAZN PPV for a price of £19.99 on Saturday 31st August, as Paul’s rival KSI gears up to perform outside of the ring rather than in it. Meanwhile, Sami Hamed will be hoping to do the world of professional boxing proud as well as his father, as he seeks to follow in the footsteps of Prince Naseem Hamed in his boxing debut against Jesse Clarke.
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