The Show Will Go On…

Whether he admits it or not, Jake Paul came into his ninth professional boxing match against Andre August with immense pressure. That’s because it was just his second fight against an actual boxer, and his first fight against Tommy Fury didn’t exactly pan out in “The Problem Child’s” way, losing a split-decision earlier this year.

This time around, however, the social media star-turned pugilist returned to his head-hunting ways, earning a lightning-quick first round knockout win thanks to a devastating uppercut that sent August into another dimension. The finish was his first since stopping Tyron Woodley in the same manner in Dec. 2021 (highlights), his fifth stoppage win overall.

So what does this win mean for “The Problem Child?” It’s tough to say at this point because August didn’t exactly have the reputation of being a world-class boxer that can give Paul the credibility many in the combat sports world feel he is lacking. While Paul did hope to silence some doubters by fighting a man who has dedicate his life to the “Sweet Science,” I am not sure it accomplished that goal, if we are being honest.

No, the top dogs aren’t going to be knocking on Paul’s door for a fight, and we shouldn’t expect them too, either. Paul has only been boxing for three years, and he has improved fight after fight. But if you’re holding your breath to see him face off against one of the best the sport has to offer, you will be doing it for a while. All that said, we shouldn’t expect Paul to be facing elite competition at this stage of his career. It’s simply too soon and it would end up badly for him.

What he did ensure, however, is that he will continue to pursue his boxing career, he will improve and he will continue to make money off the sport. Because had he lost a second fight to a “real boxer” again, some of that aura, mystique and intrigue that Paul carries with him would’ve started to dissolve rather quickly. Some may have even gone as far as to say he was exposed once and for all.

Or, he may have just called it quits.

Now, Paul will begin his search for his next opponent, and his latest victory will at least enure fight fans that a circus-type fight against a declining ex-UFC fighter or retired NBA star is likely not in the cards. It would be taking a step backwards for “The Problem Child.” Still, his latest conquest ensures that the show will go on a bit longer — whether you tune in or not.

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