Boxing must get behind Jake Paul, Powell argues

Anthony Joshua stopped Jake Paul with a pair of heavy rights late in the Miami bout, keeping Paul on the canvas and sealing a knockout victory. The result solidified Joshua's status as a heavyweight champion, but the evening also fed a larger discussion about boxing’s appeal and its ability to draw a new generation of fans. Paul, for his part, showed grit by continuing to exchange punches, prompting respect from many observers for his durability and competitive spirit.

Analysts offered two readings of the fight. One sees it as a celebrity-driven mismatch in which Joshua controlled the tempo and finished decisively. The other highlights Paul’s heart, movement and growing sophistication, suggesting the bout was closer on the scoreboard through the middle rounds before Joshua found the decisive moment. Either way, the clash reignited questions about boxing’s place in a crowded, modern sports landscape.

In a Daily Mail column, Jeff Powell argues boxing should back Paul rather than dismiss him as spectacle. He writes that Paul’s willingness to keep fighting after early setbacks and his flair for promotion could help lure younger viewers and broaden the sport’s fan base. Powell adds that the sport’s rebound in Britain could benefit from partnering with Paul rather than railing against him.

Powell also notes the ongoing British boxing revival. Joshua remains focused on a third world heavyweight title and potential clashes with Tyson Fury, while Paul’s next moves are likely to blend spectacle with competition. The writer contends that boxing would benefit most if it leverages Paul’s profile to grow interest, rather than trying to suppress the novelty that already exists.

Ultimately, Powell’s argument is that boxing’s renaissance will endure if the sport engages with Paul’s eccentric approach as a means to attract a new audience, while continuing to showcase its current champions and top contenders.