Topps Launches First Boxing Trading Card Series Since 1951
In an exciting announcement that has energized boxing fans, Topps has released its first boxing trading card series since 1951. However, the unveiling has led to considerable controversy, primarily revolving around the inclusion of social media influencer Jake Paul while simultaneously excluding fighter Gervonta Davis.
Controversy Over Fighter Selections
This decision is particularly striking given that Paul has pursued a career in boxing, accumulating a record of 12 wins and 1 loss, with his sole defeat coming from legitimate boxer Tommy Fury.
Davis, a prominent figure in the sport, faces his own off-ring troubles, including recent legal challenges and a significant period of inactivity. Although Topps has not provided details regarding Davis’s omission, they did confirm in their announcement that
“Davis will not be included in this collection.”
Instead, the trading card set will feature notable fighters such as Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Tyson Fury, and surprisingly, Jake Paul.
Details of the Topps Chrome Boxing Collection
The upcoming compilation, titled Topps Chrome Boxing, is available for pre-order starting August 11 and proudly boasts the distinction of being the first series to be officially licensed by several boxing promotions. Notably, an advertisement for the launch previously showcased a gold-framed, signed “1/1” card of Davis, indicating that he was originally intended to be part of this collection.
Fan Reactions and Backlash
The exclusion of such a well-known fighter has led to immediate backlash from fans. Comments on social media range from disbelief to condemnation regarding the presence of Paul over Davis. One fan expressed frustration, stating,
“Why did you put Jake Paul in it? Be for real. Not a serious group,”
reflecting the sentiment that Paul’s status as an influencer undermines the meritocratic nature of boxing. Another lamented,
“This was great until I saw the Jake Paul card. He’s not a real boxer; he doesn’t even fight boxers,”
further emphasizing the divide in public perception between traditional boxing credentials and the celebrity status of fighters like Paul.
Looking Ahead
As the card set continues to generate heated discussions, there is speculation about how this decision may influence the involvement of other fighters such as Manny Pacquiao and David Benavidez, particularly with Davis’s court date set for August 12 due to his previous legal issues.
With its focus on both legendary and emerging talents, Topps is stepping into a potentially tumultuous start for its trading card series, which is already marked by some of the most contentious selections seen in recent sports memorabilia history. As more details emerge leading to the official release, further developments regarding the lineup and fan reactions are anticipated.
