“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?
