"Well and truly dead" - Fans react in disbelief as "glorified amateur" Joe Rogan is named among 2024's most influential people in boxing

Joe Rogan was recently recognized as one of the most influential figures in boxing for 2024. The veteran UFC commentator has been a passionate voice in the combat sports community, celebrated for his vast knowledge and impactful contributions, particularly within the world of MMA.

On Tuesday, Sports Illustrated revealed their Boxing Power List 2024, a compilation of 23 influential and powerful figures inside and outside the squared circle who have significantly elevated the sport's stature this year.

The list features notable figures such as Riyadh Season convenor Turki Alalshikh, former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, and YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, alongside numerous other prominent personalities in the boxing world. Surprisingly, Rogan’s name also made it onto this high-profile list.

The esteemed publication highlighted Rogan's "undeniable influence" on boxing despite his primary expertise being in MMA. It also noted that the podcaster has used The Joe Rogan Experience as a platform to strengthen the connection between the two sports.

Despite the recognition, Rogan's inclusion on the boxing list didn't resonate with many MMA fans on social media. Reactions were mixed, with a segment voicing skepticism while others ardently championed his influence on the sport.

One fan wrote:

"I used to roll my eyes when people would say this, but boxing may be well and truly dead if a glorified amateur is one of the most influential people in the sport."

Another wrote:

"Joe Rogan? Influential in boxing? What? 'Sports' Illustrated, wtf."

Another commented:

"A guy that disrespected the sport many, many times, And a legend, But has absolutely no connection to boxing except being a fan of it, LOL."

Check out some more reactions below:

Comments from @acdmma_ on X

---

When Joe Rogan hailed Vasiliy Lomachenko as the ultimate boxing legend

During an episode of his podcast featuring author Thaddeus Russell in April 2017, Joe Rogan hailed Ukrainian boxing icon Vasiliy Lomachenko, calling him the greatest boxer of all time.

Rogan bypassed legendary figures such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Sugar Ray Leonard, offering this praise for Lomachenko:

"I just can't come up with a comparable [name]... I mean, there's been some amazing boxers way back to Sugar Ray Robinson and Willie Pep and all those guys paved the way. But I feel like everything evolves. Every combat sport, even art and music, evolves to the current state it's at now, which you get the best of the best right now, and you go, 'Wow, they've learned from Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins.' And Lomachenko is, in my eyes, the best."

Check out Joe Rogan's comments below (28:36):