The debate around the sporting legitimacy of the American boxer and influencer Jake Paul seems to have reached a point of definition. The president of the World Boxing Council, Mauricio Sulaimán, analyzed the status of the controversial boxer after his confrontation against the British Anthony Joshua, pointing out that his performance and the risks assumed in the ring validate his status as a professional athlete.

Since his foray into paid boxing, Paul faced constant questions due to the selection of his opponents, most of them former mixed martial arts fighters or athletes retired from high-performance physical activity.

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However, his fight last December against a physically fit former fullweight champion changed the perception of several sectors of the discipline.

During a meeting with various media outlets, Mauricio Sulaimán addressed the cessation of the questions towards the American. "All that criticism of Jake Paul about being a boxer was over. It was over when he went up against Joshua and they fractured his [jaw]," said the head of the world body.

The cost of cementing a legacy in the ring

The December fight culminated in a knockout in favor of Joshua that sent Paul to the hospital with a double jaw fracture, an injury that required surgery and the placement of metal fixation plates. Despite the severity of the injury and the rumors of a permanent retirement, the American's entourage maintains the intention of scheduling his return for the end of the year.

For Mauricio Sulaimán, the physical consequences suffered by the competitor demonstrate the seriousness with which he faces his time in the sport. The manager emphasized that the price paid by the athlete serves as proof of his commitment on the mat.

“It cost him dearly to solidify his legacy in the ring, but now no one can say anything about Jake Paul,” the leader added when evaluating the impact of the boxer's last appearance in the heavyweight category.

Recognition for the promotion of women's boxing

Beyond his role as an active competitor, the director of the green and gold organization recognized Paul's work as an event promoter. Through his company Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the American has developed billboards focused on giving prominence to women in professional divisions.

In the same attention to the media, Mauricio Sulaimán highlighted the impact of the billboards organized by Paul's promoter in historic venues in the United States.

"They are an example of support for the power of women. They have been putting on very important women's boxing performances for several years now, filling Madison Square Garden, holding historic performances in different stadiums," concluded Mauricio Sulaimán.