The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz Episode: The Big Suey: Boxing Is The Worst, Dude
Release Date: November 18, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and the crew delve deep into the tumultuous world of boxing, particularly critiquing the recent bout between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The discussion unpacks the event's execution, the evolving landscape of boxing, and broader implications for the sport's future.

The Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Fight

Fight Analysis and Performance

The conversation begins with an in-depth analysis of the highly anticipated fight between boxing legend Mike Tyson and social media star Jake Paul. Mike Ryan initiates the critique, labeling boxing as "the worst" and emphasizing the spectacle over skill (06:00).

• Mike Ryan (04:17): "Boxing is the dirtiest sport. It is the most awful of the things that we make money off of in sports."

The hosts discuss Tyson's lackluster performance, noting his avoidance of uppercuts and reliance on defensive tactics. Billy Gil critically assesses Tyson's strategy against Paul:

• Billy Gil (05:50): "That's all DeAndre Hopkins is giving you at this point, correct?"

Stugotz highlights Jake Paul's strategic avoidance of Tyson's strengths, leading to an inevitable fatigue and decline in Paul's performance:

• Stugotz (13:00): "He knew early on that there wasn't going to be anything in his legs if Jake Paul could just keep him away for a couple of rounds."

Production and Netflix's Role

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Netflix's involvement in broadcasting the fight. Mike Ryan expresses skepticism about Netflix's capability to handle live sports events seamlessly, citing buffering issues experienced by viewers (15:00).

• Mike Ryan (11:00): "Netflix is doing four and a half hours of programming just trying to keep the audience until the midnight fight. They get a record 60 million people."

Greg Cody adds to the critique by comparing the fight's execution to previous Netflix live events, questioning the quality and preparedness:

• Greg Cody (16:02): "They have unlimited resources. They're going to figure this out. They're going to get more people familiar with live sports broadcasts."

Impact on Boxing's Reputation

The hosts argue that such events tarnish boxing's reputation, turning it into a mere spectacle devoid of its traditional merit. Dan Le Batard reflects on the historical appeal of boxing and contrasts it with the current trend:

• Dan Le Batard (27:31): "Was the appeal always, let's watch this boxing match because we really want to see one of these guys get smoked in the face?"

Jake Paul's Ascendancy in Boxing

Business Strategy and Popularity

Jake Paul's emergence as a prominent figure in boxing is dissected, highlighting his business acumen and ability to draw massive viewership. Greg Cody praises Paul's effectiveness in generating revenue and interest:

• Greg Cody (28:42): "Jake Paul's the face of boxing right now."

Mike Ryan, however, remains critical of Paul's legitimacy as a boxer, arguing that his success hinges more on spectacle than skill:

• Mike Ryan (31:21): "Boxing's the worst. He deserves to be the face of boxing and another element in boxing that's in play."

Cultural Relevance and Future Matchups

The discussion touches on potential future fights that could further cement or tarnish Paul's status. Suggestions include matchups with renowned fighters like Canelo Alvarez, though opinions vary on their feasibility and impact.

• Chris Cody (36:40): "He's calling out Conor McGregor in an MMA fight."

Billy Gil underscores the symbiotic relationship between Paul and established boxing figures, emphasizing the need for high-profile names to sustain interest:

• Billy Gil (30:54): "Jake Paul would not have gotten a $40 million payday without Mike Tyson."

Critique of Boxing's Current State

From Sport to Spectacle

The hosts collectively express disillusionment with the direction boxing has taken, prioritizing entertainment over the sport's foundational values. Mike Ryan encapsulates this sentiment:

• Mike Ryan (26:27): "But boxing is the worst, dude."

Greg Cody draws parallels to historical sporting events, lamenting the loss of genuine competition in favor of manufactured spectacles:

• Greg Cody (22:47): "The last Super Bowl drew 123 million viewers for a cartoon freak show boxing match."

Impact of Media and Streaming Platforms

Netflix's foray into live boxing is critiqued as emblematic of a broader trend where media conglomerates prioritize viewership metrics over quality production, further exacerbating boxing's decline in prestige.

• Mike Ryan (24:50): "This changes everything from here. If they can pull this stuff off, they will do more and more."

Future of Boxing and Live Sports Broadcasting

Evolving Media Landscape

The conversation shifts to the implications of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon entering live sports broadcasting. Mike Ryan foresees a duopoly forming, potentially marginalizing traditional networks and altering how live sports are consumed.

• Mike Ryan (24:35): "It's the evolution of boxing. Boxing's the worst, dude."

Potential for Redemption or Further Decline

While there's hope that improved production standards and genuine matchups could revive boxing's reputation, the hosts remain skeptical. The cycle of spectacle-driven fights is seen as a recurring threat to the sport's integrity.

• Chris Cody (36:56): "There's no bigger fight that he can make than Jake Paul."

Conclusion

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz episode titled "The Big Suey: Boxing Is The Worst, Dude" offers a critical examination of modern boxing, spotlighting the clash between tradition and commercial spectacle. Hosts Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and their team articulate concerns over the sport's current trajectory, emphasizing the detrimental effects of prioritizing entertainment over athleticism and integrity. The episode serves as a passionate plea for a return to boxing's roots, advocating for authentic competition over manufactured showdowns.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Ryan (04:17):

  "Boxing is the dirtiest sport. It is the most awful of the things that we make money off of in sports."

• Stugotz (13:00):

  "He knew early on that there wasn't going to be anything in his legs if Jake Paul could just keep him away for a couple of rounds."

• Mike Ryan (26:27):

  "But boxing is the worst, dude."

• Greg Cody (22:47):

  "The last Super Bowl drew 123 million viewers for a cartoon freak show boxing match."

• Dan Le Batard (27:31):

  "Was the appeal always, let's watch this boxing match because we really want to see one of these guys get smoked in the face?"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the episode's core discussions, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a thorough understanding of the hosts' perspectives on the current state of boxing and its intersection with modern media.