Juan Manuel Marquez has criticised the rise of influencer boxing, suggesting figures like Jake Paul are damaging the sport by bypassing its traditional path.
The comments come as crossover fights continue to gain popularity, bringing in new audiences but also drawing criticism from former champions.
For Marquez, the issue is not exposure, but how those entering the sport are doing so.
Juan Manuel Marquez criticises YouTubers in boxing
Marquez’s reported criticism included a strong stance on influencers entering the sport.
“They are ruining boxing, the YouTubers, the influencers. It just shouldn’t be possible. I respect them, right? But I don’t like that kind of thing because they don’t have a process,” the Mexican legend said.
The criticism is widely seen as aimed at figures like Jake Paul, who has built a large following since transitioning into boxing.
While Paul has found success and attention in the sport, questions remain about how his level compares when measured against established professional fighters.
That contrast continues to fuel debate about whether crossover boxing helps or harms the sport overall.
Marquez says the lack of an amateur path is the real issue
Marquez expanded on his point by focusing on what he believes is missing from influencer boxing.
“What do I mean by that? There is no amateur process. These YouTubers don’t train. Some of them don’t even run, exercise, or go to the gym,” he explained.
The emphasis is on development, with Marquez pointing to the traditional route fighters take before turning professional.
Without that foundation, he believes the gap between entertainment and competition becomes too wide. For Marquez, that is the core issue, not who is entering boxing, but how they are doing it.
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