This is the thing. Both Joshua and Paul don’t need the money. It’s a legit state sanctioned fight meaning if they find it’s a fixed match both camps would be in big trouble. IMO, Paul goes down early. This is one of his first real challenges. But to be honest, what turned out to be just fixed entertainment events, Paul has turns into a legit fighter
Yes, he has turned into a boxer. A pro boxer at that. He's had the money to afford himself the time to dedicate to training, he's purchased himself a solid group of training and conditioning coaches, and he's fought other semi/pro boxers in paid spectacles. So , you are correct that he has turned into a pro boxer.
There are pro boxers all over the world who range from guys ranked 394th in their division with a record of 3 wins and 12 losses and there are pro champions who are 30-0 and at the top of their divisions. Its just hard to say where Paul falls in between those ends of the spectrum.
Mark Gastineau and Mickey Rourke were pro fighters with decent records on paper (I think Mark was 15-1 and Rourke was 11-0-2) but a closer look revealed Marks wins were against the worst caliber of opponent and the slightest step up in competition got him embarrassed and knocked TF out. While Rourke's fights were a total mess, sloppy, more like wrestling matches and at least one of his opponents took a dive.
I think Paul is better than Gastineau or Rourke, but another spectacle Butterbean Eric Esch would likely have K.O.'d Paul. And Butterbean was never considered a real contender, more like a fun sideshow.
And you are correct: if its sanctioned by the state athletic commission-especially if there's betting, Vegas odds and money involved- and it turns out to be fixed, thats a federal racketeering charge. Guys with far less notoriety, with less money on the line have been charged with racketeering for fixing fights. So it better be legit.
And if it is, Paul is in for a very bad night. (Aside from the multi millions he'll make)
