The world is currently abuzz with talk about the cryptocurrency bubble experienced through dogecoin.
However, boxing has its own bubble, and its name is Jake Paul.
Like @jakepaul or not, watching him & his team engage with followers was an interesting peak into what/how content engagement in the moment can be evolving. Some observations. #storytelling #sportsbiz https://t.co/DdonElqzqj pic.twitter.com/fcUbYOlhyd
— Joe Favorito (@joefav) April 20, 2021
In the wake of failed mega-fight attempts and the perpetual hero-worship of only one boxer at a time, the game needed some comic relief, employed the YouTube personality as its sports entertainment salve, sat back, and gawked.
I'm not impressed with @JakePaul's KO. But not because of him. It’s because of who showed up in the ring against him: pic.twitter.com/DNI099mzfM
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 19, 2021
The post-Mayweather era has christened Canelo Alvarez, the man on top of the mountain in pugilism. However, since the world cannot get Errol Spence, Jr. vs. Terence Crawford or have an actual fight date for Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua, Triller birthed Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren.
The ringside view of Jake Paul's TKO. @ESPNRingside pic.twitter.com/YgasSH1Br4
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 18, 2021
Add in the drunk uncle shenanigans of Snoop Dogg on commentary and sprinkle it with pop star concerts, and you have the makings of the biggest sideshow on earth.
https://twitter.com/scrowder/status/1384207476527026180?s=21
But make no mistake, it is a bubble.
Boxing’s version of a pump and dump stock where the hype is pumped into the balloon and like helium with no abandon awaiting an unavoidable eventuality: implosion.
In economics, hyperinflation is very high and typically accelerating inflation. It quickly erodes the actual value of the local currency as the prices of all goods increase, causing people to minimize their holdings in that currency as they usually switch to more stable foreign currencies.
https://twitter.com/mcgregorrousey/status/1384319296864722944?s=21
The Paul vs. Askren event reportedly did 1.45 million PPV buys while competing with real boxing matches on FOX, Tony Harrison vs. Bryant Perrella and DAZN, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade vs. Liam Williams.
According to popular opinion, Jake Paul was Saturday night, and Ben Askren was Saturday’s lampoon after being victimized by a first-round KO.
https://twitter.com/jakedtseavey/status/1384524075381428227?s=21
While boxing takes a trip into the meme-able worthy sensationalism Triller specializes in, two factors will either extend the bubble or pop it unceremoniously.
Boxing rejecting the new audience and economics the Jake Paul effect brings. However, this will not happen. With real seasoned boxers like Regis Prograis, Steve Cunningham, Teofimo Lopez, and more all aligning with Triller, boxing is doing what it always does, following the money.
Dear MMA Jesus,
I’ll take 2 short notice fights… I’ll finish my next 3 opponents… I don’t ask for much, but please don’t let BJ Penn box Jake Paul. We can’t afford another L ! 🙏🏾😂— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 19, 2021
But the real bubble burst comes in a true test of Jake Paul by an actual cruiserweight who is in the game and looking to build his resume. No shenanigan fights or style vs. style throwback early UFC gimmicks; just straight-up boxing.
Tommy Fury sent a clear message to Jake Paul 👀 pic.twitter.com/KxrmLhNItY
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) April 20, 2021
If Triller is willing to bet on Jake Paul as a true savant and pit him against the best, it will only be betting the farm on the franchise. Since boxing is a business based on hype and build-up, that will probably never happen. With MMA fighters like Tyron Woodley and Bobby Green all lining up to test Paul’s chin, the spectacle’s locked.
The art of what Triller has accomplished is in the sleight of hand. Present an Everyman and give him opportunities to prove himself exceptional. With every non-boxer Paul pummels, their point is verified, and interest in the Jake Paul brand grows.
The real question is, how long will boxing allow spectacle to trump realism in the pursuit of currency?
Will boxing’s established promoters risk their star’s undefeated statuses and pit them against each other to reclaim a golden era?
Only time will tell but until then, enjoy the newest, most incredible show on earth, Jake Paul vs. the game.
