Jake Paul and Conor McGregor accused of disrespecting boxing in bizarre rant from Lennox Lewis’ ex-manager

Jake Paul and Conor McGregor have been criticized by former boxing promoter Kellie Maloney for “insulting” the sport of boxing. Both Paul and McGregor, despite not having traditional boxing backgrounds, have stepped into the ring in high-profile events that have garnered significant attention and revenue.

Maloney, who once promoted the legendary Lennox Lewis during his reign as the undisputed heavyweight champion, believes that boxing has strayed far from its roots. In an interview with The Mirror, she expressed her disillusionment with the current state of the sport: “I don’t follow a lot of boxing no more. It’s changed.”

She went on to criticize the involvement of figures like Jake Paul and the trend of older fighters making comebacks: “I don’t agree with the likes of Jake Paul fighting, I don’t agree with the old guys coming back, boxing is a young man’s sport. Boxing is a sport of dedication.”

Maloney admitted that she hasn’t watched recent high-profile fights, including those involving Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou, Floyd Mayweather, and Conor McGregor, as she considers them unworthy of the sport. “I never watched any of those fights. I never watched Floyd Mayweather against Conor McGregor. They, to me, are insults to boxing,” she stated.

She also acknowledged the financial appeal of these events but stressed that they don’t align with the principles of true boxing. Reflecting on Lennox Lewis’s career, she added, “Lennox was a true boxing person. I’m not sure if he would have taken part in anything like that.”

Maloney expressed concern over the direction boxing has taken, noting, “Boxing is such a dedicated and dangerous sport and business, and I think a number of the champions would be turning in their grave today at what’s going on in the boxing world.”

In a jab at Jake Paul’s choice of opponents, she quipped, “I’m surprised I haven’t been asked to fight Jake Paul. He likes to fight old people and people past their best.”

Conor McGregor was the first of the two to enter the boxing ring, making the switch from UFC to face Floyd Mayweather in 2017. Despite the massive hype and financial success, McGregor was outclassed in the match. The event, however, became the second most-watched pay-per-view of all time.

Jake Paul, a YouTube star, has since capitalized on the trend of influencers entering the ring, fighting former MMA stars like Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. Paul’s rise in boxing has been controversial, particularly with his upcoming match against 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson. The fight has drawn criticism due to Tyson’s age and the fact that it will be a sanctioned professional contest.

Despite Maloney’s criticism, Lennox Lewis himself has shown some interest in returning to the ring. In a surprising twist, Lewis stated that he would consider an exhibition fight against the winner of the Paul vs. Tyson match. He said, “I hope that Tyson saves a little bit of Jake Paul for me. Mike Tyson’s gonna win. Mike Tyson’s not that old. Don’t take him too softly. We’re one year apart.”