Is Mike Tyson and Tank Davis Proof Jake Paul Is Good for American Boxing?

Last week, Netflix and Jake Paul announced that Paul and Tank Davis will be fighting in November. Since that announcement, boxing purists have been feeling some way about this announcement.

And trust me, I get it. On one hand, you're happy to see fighters like Mike Tyson and Tank Davis get paid big money. But on the other hand, boxing purists feel Jake Paul is hurting the sport.

Let's look at the pros and cons of Jake Paul's impact on American Boxing.

1. Jake is bringing new eyes to the sport. He’s introduced millions of young fans (mostly Gen Z) to boxing who might never have watched a match otherwise.

He generates major online buzz through YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram—platforms that traditional boxing rarely taps effectively.

2. He's reviving interest in undercards & events. Jake Paul's events often include underrated boxers, women fighters, and even MMA crossovers—giving them a platform they wouldn't otherwise have.

His promotions (like Most Valuable Promotions) help lesser-known fighters get paid and gain exposure.

3. He's pushing for fighter pay & reform. Jake Paul has been vocal about increasing fighter pay, healthcare, and transparency—especially in contrast to how UFC treats its fighters.

Look what he's done for fighters like Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano, Mike Tyson, and Tank Davis. This has sparked broader conversations across the combat sports industries.

Those are the pros. Now, let's look at the cons.

1. He's Blurring the Lines Between Entertainment & Sport

Critics argue his fights prioritize spectacle over skill, especially when facing retired MMA fighters or non-boxers. There's a concern he’s turning boxing into a celebrity sideshow, undermining the sport's integrity.

2. Boxing vs. YouTube Culture

Purists feel he hasn’t “earned” his place in the ring through amateur circuits or rankings. His brash persona and trash talk can alienate traditional fans.

3. Risk of Overshadowing Legitimate Talent

Jake Paul fights generate more headlines than top professional boxing matches, which can frustrate elite fighters working hard without the same spotlight.

The Bottom Line is This:

Jake Paul is not a traditional boxer, but he’s undeniably a net positive for boxing's mainstream visibility—especially in the U.S., where boxing has struggled to stay culturally relevant.

His presence is challenging the sport to modernize, market better, and rethink how talent is discovered and promoted.

If you’re in the entertainment + audience growth side of boxing, he's good.
If you're a purist focused on athletic credibility, you probably see him as a sideshow.

But to be honest, American boxing has been a sideshow for years now. With top-level fighters being able to take easy route fights while claiming they're the best. Jake Paul is doing the same thing.

As the old saying goes. Don't hate the player, hate the game. Leonard Ellerbie said it best, "It's about putting butts in seats." And no fighter in America does it better than Jake Paul.

He's giving traditional fighters like Gervonta Davis and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr their highest paydays. Jake Paul is the definition of a cash cow, and yes, he is the face of American Boxing.

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