In a bold statement on social media, boxer Ryan Garcia has expressed his discontent with the upcoming fight between Gervonta Davis and Jake Paul, labeling the event as a farce akin to professional wrestling. Garcia took to Instagram to voice his opinion, saying, “Boxing is officially the WWE with the Gervonta versus Jake Paul fight. A heavyweight is fighting a lightweight, and you are supposed to believe that it’s a fair fight. If you know anything about boxing, you can see it’s a disgrace.”
The fight, set to take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on November 14, has sparked controversy in the boxing community. Garcia’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment among traditional boxing fans who question the legitimacy of matches that appear to prioritize entertainment over competitive fairness. The bout is particularly notable as it features a heavyweight, Paul, against a lightweight, Davis, which raises concerns about weight class disparities that the sport typically seeks to avoid.
Jake Paul, the YouTube star turned professional boxer, enters the ring almost a year after his last major fight, which set records as the largest boxing or MMA event in over four decades. Meanwhile, Gervonta Davis, known for his explosive fighting style and significant pay-per-view success, has established himself as a formidable presence in the boxing world. His record for the highest pay-per-view buys and revenue from a boxing event underscores his marketability and skill.
Garcia’s critique points to a broader issue within boxing, where the lines between sport and spectacle often blur, especially with the rise of celebrity fighters. As the sport grapples with its identity, fans are left to ponder whether events like Davis versus Paul signal a shift towards entertainment-driven matchups that could undermine the sport’s integrity.
As the fight date approaches, it remains to be seen how the boxing community will respond to this clash of styles and the implications it may have for the future of the sport. For now, the anticipation surrounding the bout continues to grow, drawing both criticism and curiosity about the evolving landscape of boxing.