I’ve always said being a sports photographer wasn’t just about shooting sports, we have to be versatile and adapt to the environment we’re in and what is expected of us. So when I was assigned to cover the Jake vs Joshua Netflix fight press conference, basically at the last minute, I didn’t know what to expect. With Jake Paul’s fight with Gervonta Davis being canceled, I wasn’t anticipating that YouTuber Jake Paul would have someone lined up that quickly to replace him let alone schedule a press conference to announce the fight, but here we are.
To add to my last minute request to cover the press conference I had another assignment scheduled for later in that afternoon covering the Marlins turkey distribution to less fortunate families for Thanksgiving. I was stressed because the press conference was scheduled for 1pm and I had to cover the Marlins event at 3pm. And honestly these press conferences never start on time and who knows how long I would have to wait around.
So when I showed up to the Kaseya Center in Miami, I was glad to run into familiar faces who also shared my concerns about the timing and what to expect. I work a lot of games with staff members from the AP, USA Today, Getty as well as other stringers and freelancers like myself so while we’re technically “competing” we all get along and can work together to make sure everyone gets the shot. Not every photographer can be so lucky. I’ve had my share of horror stories, but mine pale in comparison to others.
We were let in late into the arena to cover the press conference. So already I’m like how late is this going to run. We walk in and see rows of seats labeled “Media” but if I were to sit in those seats 1) I would have been blocked or at least obstructed partially trying to shoot the press conference and 2) it would have been an unflattering angle to photograph to say the least. I found a riser in the back that had one side with videographers set up and there was some space on the side so we, and we being the photographers I mentioned above, decided to set up camp there.
Not too long after 1pm the press conference started to my pleasant surprise. My initial thoughts when I saw both Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua take the stage was that Jake Paul is going to die in the ring. I know he “beat” Mike Tyson in his last fight, but looking at Anthony Joshua, he is still actively fighting and even though being in his late 30’s he was in phenomenal shape.
I’m here capturing the press conference and listening to the comments from both fighters and while Jake Paul has been known to say outlandish things, I thought he was more subdued this time. I honestly think he was intimidated by Joshua’s size. Hell I was scared for him.
Again they were answering questions from Ariel Helwani and throwing some jabs back and forth and honestly it was really a polite press conference for a boxing match where to people are trying to knock the other one out. Paul normally has his braggadocious demeanor on full display, but while he talked about confidence and winning his face wasn’t exuding that confidence he spoke about.
When it came time for both men to come face to face, the USA Today photographer said that Jake Paul i going to get killed and looking at Jake Paul’s face, I agreed with him. I don’t know if it’s the size of Anthony Joshua or the fact that he isn’t years past his prime fighting like Tyson, but Jake Paul wasn’t his normal cocky self and it was pretty evident to most there that was the case.
As soon as the press conference concluded I headed to my car to edit. If you’re a freelancer you know what it’s like to edit in your car and transmit your photos. I’m editing in my car and one of the edits was emailing asking when the files would be sent and honestly, since I wasn’t covering a game, I had only 40 photos to edit and send, so nothing too crazy.
And a sidenote, if your car has a subscription to get WiFi, get it. It’s so much better than trying to find a library or Starbucks to transfer from while using their free WiFi.
Once I sent the files, all I have to do now is wait. Wait to see if the fight will actually happen. I would be shocked if something didn’t happen where the fight was either canceled or postponed. That was just the feeling I got from the press conference, but I hope I’m wrong because I can’t wait to cover the bout.
