This past year, Jake Paul, became the highest earning athlete under 25 years old, making $45 million with close to 90% of that income being from his boxing endeavors. It was not too long ago that Paul was known for being a character on Disney Channel’s series “Bizaardvark,” but he has since changed his profession from actor and YouTuber to professional boxer. Following his debut in the boxing ring, it is unclear if Paul has the privilege of proclaiming the title of professional boxer.
The realm of professional boxing has been known to follow various traditions with mutual respect between boxers at the forefront. Despite training professionally for the last few years, Paul has yet to gain the recognition needed to be respected in the boxing community and the authority to claim he is a professional boxer.
While most professional boxers tend to express interest in the sport at a young age, Paul started his athletic career participating in a sport far different from boxing. On ESPN’s talk show “First Take,” Paul spoke about his background in wrestling.
“People forget I was a state wrestler in Ohio, I obviously already have the boxing skills,” said Paul.
In the five matches Paul has fought in, he has chosen to compete against former athletes and a popular gamer, none of which would be considered professional boxers. Professional boxers traditionally fight in matches with what others would consider “worthy” opponents.
One of Paul’s biggest critics is ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who stated, “[That Paul] can’t get away with lying anymore [by calling himself a professional boxer],” further explaining that since he has never fought an active professional boxer, he cannot accurately give himself that title.
The “problem child” has competed in five matches and has KO’d each of his opponents so far. For a boxer who just recently made his debut, this record would be considered a great feat. However, each of his opponents are considered non-boxers with limited experience in boxing. Among these opponents is Nate Robinson, an 11-year NBA veteran with no prior history in boxing, whereas Paul has been training professionally for the past four years.
Since his first match in 2018, Paul has made impressive strides in the boxing community. He has continued to inspire amateur boxers everywhere to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles that may stand in their way. Nevertheless, Paul may not have the justification to call himself a professional boxer just yet.
