Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul: Will AJ’s reputation be damaged by the show?

Impact boxing matches began receiving high viewership with KSI’s first boxing match against Joe Wheeler in 2018 and have become more popular over time, as fighters have a good reputation and are increasingly willing to participate due to the money on offer.

At the same time, boxing’s reputation has taken a major hit due to difficulties in arranging fights at the highest levels and the influx of money from Saudi Arabia, which has become a prominent player on the professional scene.

Some believe influencer battles attract new fans and help protect the future of the sport, while others say they make it a laughing stock.

“Jake Paul has done a lot of good for boxing, especially women’s boxing,” Crolla says. “He puts on some big nights and brings new people into the sport.

“I was in the fight he had with Tommy Fury and a lot of young kids were coming up to me saying ‘I was in the fight!’ and they didn’t even recognize me from my career.”

But the benefits of big names like Paul entering the ring come at the expense of heritage and history.

“It makes a mockery of the sport,” Price admits. “I watched Rod Stewart’s son get knocked out the other day – this stuff turns it into a joke.

“The sport has come this far without things like this happening, so I don’t think there’s a need for boxing to survive.

“But the fact that there’s a small percentage of an influencer knocking someone out is what keeps a lot of these people following them. It’s a new generation of fight fans, and whether they like it or hate it, views matter.”

“The old school fighter who has his head down, worked hard and delivered his talk in the ring is unfortunately a dying breed.”