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The era of influencer boxing has drawn a lot of criticism from pugilist purists. Some believe it’s been a black eye on the sport, but it’s extended the careers of some mixed martial artists.
Jake Paul alone has faced former UFC fighters Ben Askren, Nate Diaz, Mike Perry, and former UFC champions Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou landed mega bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Jorge Masvidal and Darren Till, among others, have made the leap.
Having already been promoted by the UFC, MMA fighters with household names can cut in line so to speak to land high-profile and lucrative boxing matchups. Former UFC Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is interested in boxing after his time in MMA is done.
“Yeah, it interests me for sure. Certainly,” Whittaker said on the MMArcade Podcast when asked if he’d consider transitioning to boxing after his UFC career.
“It definitely interests me especially like not have to go through the boxing circuit the way like a lot of guys did. If I can move straight up to these, what are you going to call them? What kind of fights are these? They’re like the UFC guys coming into boxing doing … Those sort of fights. You know what I’m talking about.”
Related: Former UFC champion: Jake Paul’s performance was ‘inspiring’
“I think there’s some money to be made there,” continued Whittaker. “I think it’ll keep me fit. I think it’s definitely an aspect of the sport that I enjoy. I’ve always loved striking. To move into that field would be cool. It would be a nice, fresh change.”
Whittaker, 35, last fought in July, losing to Reinier de Ridder via split decision. He won the 185-pound championship in July 2017 by defeating Yoel Romero via unanimous decision. Romero missed weight for the rematch, so Whittaker never actually defended the title. He defeated Romero a second time but in a non-title bout. He was defeated by former two-time titleholder Israel Adesanya in his next outing ending his brief title reign.
