On the eve of Jake Paul's fight with Anthony Joshua, we look back at the night that influencer boxing arrived.
John KennedyJake Paul
Jake Paul is a professional boxer and internet personality. He was born Jake Joseph Paul on January 17, 1997, in Cleveland, Ohio. He first gained fame on the Vine platform before launching a YouTube channel that amassed over 20 million subscribers. Transitioning to professional boxing in 2020, Paul made his professional debut against AnEsonGib in January 2020, securing a knockout victory. He later fought former NBA player Nate Robinson on November 28, 2020, securing a knockout victory in the second round. He continued to build his boxing resume with high-profile bouts against former UFC fighters Ben Askren in April 2021 and Tyron Woodley in two matches during August 2021 and December 2021, showcasing his ability to draw significant pay-per-view numbers. Paul’s impact on boxing extends beyond his in-ring performances; he has redefined fight promotion through social media-driven hype and celebrity involvement. His October 2022 fight against former UFC welterweight champion Anderson Silva marked a milestone in attracting mainstream attention to crossover boxing events. Complex has tracked Paul’s career milestones, including his signing with Showtime Boxing in May 2021, highlighting how his digital influence continues to reshape the sport’s marketing and audience engagement strategies.
Featured
The Paul brothers are giving people an exclusive all-access pass into their personal lives with ‘Paul American.’
Mark Elibert
Sports
People Are Losing It Over Stephen A. Smith's Response to Being Asked 'Have You Gotten Your Ass Eaten?'
During his appearance on 'BS with Jake Paul,' Stephen A. Smith was asked a set of personal questions and his response to one in particular left people stunned.
Jose Martinez
Sports
Mike Tyson on Bringing His Weed Brand to Canada, 'the Year of the Ear,' and Respecting Jake Paul
In an extended interview, Mike Tyson talks about his new cannabis company, his respect for Jake Paul, going California sober, and his days smoking in Montreal.
Coleman MolnarLatest Stories
Jake Paul Fires Back at Critics: ‘I Brought Boxing and Combat Sports to Netflix’
From Mike Tyson backlash to record-breaking Netflix numbers, the polarizing star lays out why he thinks combat sports can’t ignore him anymore.
Bernadette Giacomazzo1 day ago
Amanda Serrano Chases KO Record in Historic TikTok Live Title Fight
Serrano chases the women’s KO record, defends her unified featherweight crown, and tests a bold 12-round format in TikTok’s first title fight livestream, put on by Most Valuable Promotions.
Bernadette Giacomazzo8 days ago
Mike Tyson Caught on Hot Mic Asking Jake Paul if Shohei Ohtani Is a ‘Guy’ at 2026 ESPYs
The 60-year-old boxing legend appeared to have no idea who the Dodgers superstar was.
Alex Ocho8 days ago
Jake Paul Mocks Conor McGregor's UFC 329 Knee Injury Before Expressing Support
"Prayers for you and your family," Paul wrote after posting videos making fun of McGregor.
Trey Alston12 days ago
UFC Freedom 250’s White House Spectacle Couldn’t Top Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Ratings
UFC’s biggest Paramount+ event ever went all-in on spectacle, but Netflix’s reach for the Most Valuable Promotions event kept one MMA benchmark out of reach.
Bernadette Giacomazzo35 days ago
Advertisement
How Jake Paul’s $1.7M USA World Cup Bet Could Pay Fans Big
Inside Jake Paul’s wild World Cup bet: how his Betr promo, prediction markets, and love for Team USA could turn fans into $1.7M winners.
Bernadette Giacomazzo42 days ago
Claressa Shields Slams Jake Paul and MVP Following Ban: ‘Take the Heels Off’
The boxing champion accused Jake Paul and MVP of hypocrisy while revisiting past criticism surrounding her MMA loss and ongoing tensions with Alycia Baumgardner.
Mark Elibert63 days ago
Jake Paul’s Betr Makes Bold Play to Dominate Prediction Markets
Inside Betr’s bold play to turn sports betting, casino, and prediction markets into one ‘super app’ for more than a million users.
Bernadette Giacomazzo64 days ago
Claressa Shields Banned From MVP Events After Alycia Baumgardner Incident
Inside the VIP clash, zero-tolerance ban, and years of bad blood between women’s boxing champions Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner.
Bernadette Giacomazzo66 days ago
Jake Paul Says He’s Contacting Makeup Artists for a Response to Druski’s ‘Conservative' Woman Skit
The YouTuber turned pro boxer says he's exploring creating a "response" to Druski's whiteface skit.
Alex Ocho110 days ago
Advertisement
YouTuber Alissa Violet Arrested After Alleged Fight With Boyfriend
After neighbors filed a noise complaint, the cops were called to the residence.
Holly Riordan112 days ago
UFC Legend Chael Sonnen Weighs In on Influencer Boxing on 'Creators Think': 'Jake Paul Is a Boxer'
UFC legend Chael Sonnen has opened up about his thoughts on influencer boxing on the Creators Think podcast with Andy Bachman.
Maggie Ekberg120 days ago
Jutta Leerdam Uses Kanye West Grammy Speech to Celebrate Olympic Gold
Leerdam shattered an Olympic record in women's speed skating.
tara mahadevan161 days ago
Jake Paul Walks Back Bad Bunny Criticism: ‘Idk What Happened on My Twitter Last Night'
Jake Paul initially had some hard words for Bad Bunny and the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
tara mahadevan165 days ago
AOC Slams Jake Paul for Calling Bad Bunny a ‘Fake American Citizen'
AOC also called Paul out for moving to Puerto Rico to "avoid paying your taxes."
tara mahadevan165 days ago
Advertisement
Jake Paul Sobs After Fiancée Jutta Leerdam Wins Gold at Winter Olympics: ‘I Can’t Stop Crying'
Jutta Leerdam broke an Olympic record and won the women's 1000m race in the 2026 Winter Olympics speedskating event on Monday
Jaelani Turner-Williams165 days ago
Claressa Shields Fires Back at Jake Paul Over Bad Bunny Comment: 'Not Today'
Claressa Shields fired back at Jake Paul after he called Bad Bunny a 'fake American citizen,' defending Puerto Ricans in a pointed response on X.
Bernadette Giacomazzo165 days ago
Logan Paul Defends Puerto Ricans After Brother Jake Paul Calls Bad Bunny a 'Fake American Citizen'
Jake Paul slammed Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, questioning his citizenship.
Jade Gomez166 days ago