Juan Manuel Marquez scoffed at the idea that non-boxers could take advantage of the industry.
The Mexican legend, who famously knocked out Manny Pacquiao in 2012, was asked about his views on YouTube users and others who don’t come from a boxing background when it came to the ring.
Marquez made no secret in his response to ESPN, claiming that it took a toll on the sport in which he has enjoyed a glittering career for more than two decades:
“I remember when a coach asked someone: ‘Do you want your son to be a boxer?’
“The answer is: ‘no,’ it’s a very difficult sport. It’s very dangerous. I want him to learn. ‘ Everyone wants to be a boxer now”
Jake Paul is a Marmite figure in the sport and has yet to actually face a legitimate boxer.
The influencer-turned-fighter-turned-fighter is undefeated for the year and has been set to meet Hasim Rahman Jr. on Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York, but the fight was postponed at late notice after it was announced revealed that Rahman Jr would not be able to meet the contracted weight of 205 pounds.
Marquez continued:
“That is a huge disrespect to boxing.
“Boxing needs to be respected. Fighters practice and prepare. He leaves everything in the ring.
“It just doesn’t seem fair to me for a ‘Youtuber’ to join. Or even a former basketball or NFL player.
“Boxing deserves respect. The respect for boxing has been lost.”
Several cross-code and YouTube attempts at the sport have taken place since Floyd Mayweather fought MMA star Conor McGregor at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in 2017.
