ESPN's Stephen A. Smith: Jake Paul Should Fight Real Boxers

Explore More

Ronda Rousey stunningly making MMA return after decade away

Jake Paul’s fiancée could net $1 million for flaunting this bra during Olympics triumph

Jake Paul’s fiancée Jutta Leerdam trains with Jordan Stolz to bring false rumor to life

Stephen A. Smith thinks it’s “a joke” that Jake Paul would challenge Canelo Alvarez after his knockout win against Tyron Woodley.

“You’re not fighting boxers. Somewhere along the way people have to stop walking around, laughing and acting like it’s alright for you to be beating up on cats that don’t box while you’re calling yourself a boxer,” Smith said on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday.

After Paul’s KO win against Woodley on Sunday — his second victory over the former UFC star in four months — he tweeted at Alvarez, “I hope you’re training.”

When “First Take” host Molly Qerim noted that Paul called out Canelo for a fight, Smith said, “Time out, that’s a joke.”

"You're not fighting boxers. Somewhere along the way people have to stop walking around, laughing and acting like it's alright for you to be beating up on cats that don't box." @StephenASmith feels its time for Jake Paul to fight better competition 🥊 (via @FirstTake) pic.twitter.com/GWhag5s0FA

— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) December 21, 2021

“First of all, its an insult… Canelo is the bet in the world. He’ll knock Jake Paul out in one round. He’ll take him out. But more importantly, Jake Paul hasn’t earned the right to be in the ring with somebody as serious and as lethal and as accomplished as Canelo.”

I hope you’re training @Canelo ☺️

— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) December 19, 2021

Smith said Paul should be fighting “somebody with the muscle memory that actually boxes,” such as Tommy Fury — the younger brother of two-time world heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury.

Paul was initially scheduled to fight Fury in Tampa, Fla. last week, but the British boxer backed out due to health reasons. He said in a video on Instagram that he suffered a bacterial chest infection and broken ribs.

“Jake Paul can’t get away with lying anymore. He has been training with boxers and professional boxing trainers for more than four years from my understanding,” said Smith, who went on to name his past opponents.

Paul’s first three professional fights all ended in knockouts.

Last November, the YouTuber knocked out former Knicks player Nate Robinson early in the second round of their eight-round cruiserweight exhibition.

He defeated YouTuber AnEsonGib in Jan. 2020, and then ex-MMA fighter Ben Askren this past spring. In August, the Internet personality beat Woodley, via split decision.

Paul is now 5-0 pro-fighting career after his knockout against the former UFC star.

Now, Paul is likely on the hunt for his next opponent in 2022.

Unlock full access to Post sports columnists and newsletters

• Joseph Staszewski

  How NBA can create own version of WWE's Royal Rumble to fix All-Star Saturday night

• Ethan Sears

  The US waited for this star and he's repaying their patience in spades

• Madeline Kenney

  How the WNBA can get past its CBA impasse — and get back to basketball

Already a subscriber? Log in. See All

Sports Podcasts

The best insights from the ultimate insiders

• Up in the Blue Seats - Rangers

  Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify

• The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman 

  Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify

• Blue Rush: NY Giants Football Podcast

  Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify

• Gang’s All Here: A NY Jets Football Podcast

  Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify

• NY Got Game: Basketball

  Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify

• Pinstripe Post - Yankees

  Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify

• Against the Cage - Combat Sports

  Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify

• Straight Outta Flushing - Mets

  Listen on Apple Podcasts Spotify

Scoreboard

Page Six

Katey Sagal’s son praises mom for ‘getting her s--t together’

NYPost

Ex-Prince Andrew arrested on his birthday over Epstein allegations