"It's a slap in the face."
Almost one week ago, now, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul stunned no one by laying waste to yet another aged pugilist. This time, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., basically 40, played punching bag to the much younger Paul who won by unanimous decision. Ahead of the fight, the World Boxing Council president Mauricio Sulaiman told ESPN, “The WBC ratings committee has been following Jake Paul’s career. If he defeats Chavez, and depending on how the fight plays out, the committee will make the decision. It’s very likely [Paul will be ranked] if he wins convincingly.”
Well, true to word, the committee found Paul’s win convincing, along with his 12-1 record against retirees, and slotted him 14th in the world (cruiserweight div.), giving him a clear path to the title.
The only one small little problem, the 14th slot was previously occupied by Craig Parker, 20-0 (all by knockout), who was pushed down to 15th on the WBC rankings. Craig, 34, shared with TMZ that he was “disgusted” by the move, adding, “For him just to take a position that guys like me that struggled to find ways to the gym and … it’s a long road to be where we’re at. And for him to just be No. 14, it was just like a slap in the face.”
Professional surfers around the globe nodded heads in sad agreement.
But how many World Surf League Qualifying Series grinders have worked their way up the rankings for a shot at a Championship Tour event wildcard in the last three years only to be told that it would be given to one Kelly Slater. While the 11-time champ is maybe a draw to the casual surf fan, aficionados know that he has zero shot and is simply filling space, keeping a bit of limelight and cockblocking hopefuls then complaining about it all. Slater’s off-handed “I’d rather be in Australia” and “I’m injured plus not feeling it” after losing to Barron Mamiya in the elimination round at Lowers a real knife twist to Winter Vincent, Dimitri Poulos, Oscar Berry et. al.
Over to you, now. Is fairness in ranking important or is sport just entertainment and, thus, the most entertaining should have the opportunity to play?
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“It’s the most authentic part of the entire WSL”.
well, that’s not saying much…
Dude always reminded me of jock-types from high school.
Been an ongoing issue for years. Chiseling in old stagers to the detriment of the ones waiting in line for the call that never comes.
Well the one of the wildcards (if not both) is the sponsor’s wildcard so they can give it to whoever they want. Egghead only gives himself wildcards in the outerknown events. This is like the Bells wildcard which always goes to a Rip Curl team rider. The other one always goes to highest placed Victorian surfer. Pipe always has a spot for local wildcard and I suspect that’s how it’s going to pan out for JBay next week.
I don’t really have a problem with them gifting a wildcard to egghead at Pipe. The only person with a problem is of course Bruce Irons, who tried to grant himself lifetime wildcard.
Kelly’s cheating was more the bullshit “injured surfer” wildcard. Fuck he milked that one for a long time. So unprofessional and borderline dishonest. Plus I think he used the “former world champ” wildcard though he’s not the only one to used that.
I would say the repeated use of the injured surfer wildcard wasn’t borderline dishonest, it was straight up dishonest.
Anyway rather than go out on top, with dignity ride annd off into the sunset, ala Mick Fanning, he’s tarnished his reputation forever, the silly old fool.
sadly, boxing past its prime years ago. Professional Mixed Martial Arts killed it.
although, the great matches and legend boxers are still and will always be legendary.
Would be great to see Tyson reincarnate “Smokers” where he first began knocking out grown men. Small room, just enough to fit the ring. Air thick with cigar smoke, such that Tyson remarked how even seeing your opponent, while not totally obscured, presented a challenge that lead to such fights’ nickname “Smokers”.
‘Hot-boxing with Mike’ (when he’d sit in a car smoking endless joints while interviewing someone was good).
Dunno if he’s still doing it, will have to check on YouTube…
*passed
*passed gas
Is fairness in ranking important or is journalism just entertainment and, thus, Beach Grit, the most entertaining should have the opportunity to play?
Journalism has really and truly fallen upon hard times.
Well, here’s a twist to the story: https://apnews.com/article/mexican-boxer-julio-cesar-chavez-arrested-deportation-e8f600abb9c7e5adfe60de8739fd12df
Aloha Julio.
too funny.
btw- how’s the shot of the ring babes? wow.
why even wear clothes?
That’s why no one watches boxing.
Jake should fight Mitch.
Better yet, have him fight Craig Parker who is a real life current boxer in Paul’s weight class. Parker will pound him into oblivion and hopefully make it so we never see this idiot fight another non-professional boxer. The guy only fights old, retired, MMA guys (never any known strikers) and never squares up to a current pro. Embodies everything wrong with pro boxing.
The Motor City Cobra!
Hagler Hearns
KO at 3:30
I don’t follow boxing. I’m a lover not a fighter. Go Luana!
“Embodies everything wrong with pro boxing.”
Yup. And he emboides everything wrong with a whole lot more than just pro boxing as well.
4 different world titles in boxing, should be the same in surfing.
air division
Shralp division
charge division
Pussy division
“Well, true to word, the committee found Paul’s win convincing bringing in more viewers that they desperately need.” Fixed it.
maybe the wsl should drop mr beast out the back of heaving, code red Teahupoʻo ?
i would tune in to see that.
The wildcard wouldn’t win either so tie goes to the surfer over 50, always.