J. Paul is undefeated in his boxing tests. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @triller
Like it or not, Jake Paul has moved the world of boxing a lot. Phenomenon in YouTube, the digital influencer has earned millions from challenges to mixed martial arts stars. However, did you know that the 'Trouble Boy' isn't the only celebrity to venture into the world of fighting? Here, we will remind you of other names.
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The 'Power Rangers' the Hollywood star. Some stars, at some point in their lives, revealed their passion for martial arts and took risks in confrontations.
Jason David Frank: the eternal green Ranger
J. David Frank is known for his participation in the Power Rangers series. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Famous in the 1990s for playing Tommy Oliver in the renowned series 'Power Rangers', Jason David Frank is passionate about martial arts. Black belt in karate, purple belt in jiu-jitsu and practitioner of Muay Thai, the actor stood out for his plastic movements while playing the Green Ranger.
What many don't know is that his love for the sport went beyond his training, causing the actor to test himself in MMA.
In 2010, Jason was one of the highlights of Texas Cage Fighting: Puro Combate 1. On that occasion, the fighter faced Jose Vasquez and won in lightning style, submitting 46 seconds into the first round. The challenge marked the actor's only performance as a professional in mixed martial arts.
As an amateur in the sport, Frank had three clashes (all in 2010), winning all three on the fast track, in the first round. Two of them were by submission and the other by knockout.
Fun fact: in 2013, when Anderson Silva reigning in the UFC, the actor made a 'challenge' to the Brazilian legend. At the time, the athlete claimed to be a fan of 'Spider' and expressed the desire to make a sparring with the former Ultimate champion.
Oscar nominated
M. Rourke has already been nominated for an Oscar for 'Best Actor'. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Actor, screenwriter and Oscar nominee for his performance in 'The Wrestler' (2008), Mickey Rourke has already had his adventures in boxing. His first tests in the 'noble art' took place as a teenager, but in the 1990s, already famous on the big screen, he decided to resume his career as a boxer, but in a professional manner.
In total, from 1991 to 2014, Rourke competed in nine fights. The actor was never defeated under the rules of the sport, but he also failed to reach the top of the sport.
Fun fact: In 2014, a few years after competing for the Oscar for 'Best Actor', Mickey decided to return to the ring after another 10 seasons of inactivity. The opponent chosen for the confrontation was Deon Harris. So far, so good.
The fight, however, ended up generating a lot of controversy. At 62 years old, Rourke ended up winning in a bizarre way, knocking out his opponent in the first round. So what's weird? The fact is that the actor's triumph came without the celebrity connecting any hard blows, leaving the seriousness of the clash in the air.
From football to boxing
R. Ferdinand is a Manchester United legend. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Legend of Manchester United, the renowned English football team, Rio Ferdinand had a successful career for the 'Reds'. Multi-champion, having won important tournaments such as the FIFA Champions Leagues, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the Premiere League, the defender had a passion for boxing.
Also representing the England team, Ferdinand surprised by confirming his interest in testing himself in the 'noble art' after hanging up his boots in 2015.
Unfortunately for fans, this is one of the failed cases of testing a new modality, and, believe me, the former player was not at fault in the registry. Even before his debut, the athlete was denied his license to compete in boxing. At the time, the former Manchester player regretted the situation.
“Training four or five times a week since I announced my desire to get a professional boxing license and step into the ring. Unfortunately I need to hang up the gloves. (…) I always had absolute respect for this sport and I didn’t want to underestimate how difficult it would be. I wanted to show people that it's good to have a goal and do everything to achieve it”, wrote the player, in an excerpt published by 'FERA'.
Former NBA player tries, but is massacred in boxing
J. Paul massacred N. Robinson in a boxing superfight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Not all attempts are successful in combat sports. This is the case of Nate Robinson, a former NBA athlete, having played for renowned teams such as the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.
Robinson's time in the NBA was marked by his performances in the traditional dunk contest. The athlete was winner in three editions: 2006, 2009 and 2010.
Nate's qualities in performing acrobatic jumps and scoring balls ended up not being taken to the ring. In 2020, the basketball player decided to venture into boxing and accepted the challenge of testing himself against Jake Paul, star of this Saturday's event (18).
The clash was included on the same card that gave fans the return of Mike Tyson to the rings. With high ratings, Robinson ended up embarrassing the class.
Clearly not familiar with the 'noble art', the basketball player was easy prey for an 'amateur', but hungry Jake Paul. The YouTuber needed just over a round to achieve the most brutal knockout of the night, when he made his rival collapse unconscious on the canvas.
YouTuber duel
KSI and L. Paul faced each other on two occasions. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Se Jake Paul has been successful in the ring, his older brother, Logan, is not far behind. Also prestigious in the world of YouTube, the digital influencer made his first test in the 'noble art' in 2018.
On that occasion, there was a challenge featuring the platform's stars. On the one hand, Paul, a phenomenon with more than 23,2 million (currently) subscribers on his channel. On the other, KSI, with 14,4 million (currently) fans.
Unlike his younger brother, Logan was unsuccessful in his debut. In the first meeting with KSI, the duel ended in a draw.
The rematch would take place just over a year later, in November 2019. This time, Paul ended up overmatched, losing in a split decision from the judges after six rounds of dispute.
The engagement over Logan, however, caught the attention of a boxing legend. Multi-champion in the sport, Floyd Mayweather came out of retirement to face the youtuber in an exhibition match.
The fight took place in February 2021 and, after the dispute, which, according to the rules, ended without a winner, the digital influencer received praise from the former world champion.
Brazilian phenomenon
Whindersson (right) wins in boxing. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Big star of YouTube in Brazil, Whindersson Nunes He is more passionate about boxing. After taking up the sport as a resource to deal with a severe case of depression, the comedian took a liking to it and even fought as an amateur in the sport.
The duel took place in 2019. At the time, the youtuber He emerged victorious against an unknown opponent and decided to remain active in the sport.
The comedian's intention ended up catching the attention of a Brazilian boxing legend: Acelino Popó Freitas, former world champion. Willing to reproduce the attacks of the 'Paul Brothers' on national territory, the boxer proposed a confrontation against the comedian.
Right away, Whindersson accepted the challenge and has been preparing for the duel. The clash, however, does not yet have a date and location for it to take place.
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