Picture the scene…
A blond, California-born YouTuber bursts into the chaotic world of boxing—a centuries-old sport constantly trying to reinvent itself. He’s met with scorn and skepticism. People laugh. They say it’s a circus, a scam, a joke. But punch after punch, fight after fight, Jake Paul stays standing. And more than that, he’s forcing the boxing world to look him in the eye.
Because the truth is this: the guy trains like a real professional. Yes, he has the means. Yes, he can afford the best coaches, the best facilities. But many others with the same resources would’ve taken the easy way out. Not him. He sweats. He takes hits. He takes the sport seriously—more seriously, even, than many boxers who claim to live for it.
Photo: The Independent – Jake Paul
Every time he steps into the ring, the spotlight shines like never before. His events draw millions of eyes to the screen, major broadcasters, and prize money some athletes hadn’t seen in years. And most importantly: he opens doors. Boxers—often unknown to the general public—suddenly find themselves on a stage worthy of Hollywood. For them, it’s more than a fight: it’s a showcase, a chance to change their fate.
And there’s one aspect I admire in particular: women’s boxing. Too often neglected, too often pushed to the sidelines. Jake Paul, alongside Amanda Serrano and his business partner Nakisa Bidarian, decided to bring it into the spotlight. Together, through MVP Promotions, they’ve formed a trio that has restored dignity to this side of the sport. Not only did they do it, but they did it successfully. Packed venues. Strong viewership numbers. Better purses than ever before. That’s tangible. That’s historical.
Photo: The Independent – Jake Paul vs Julio Cesar Chavez Jr
And now, just a few days ago, we heard news of an exhibition match between Jake Paul and Gervonta Davis. As a boxing purist, I’ll admit I don’t care much about the fight itself, but I know it gets people talking… As of now, I don’t know the exact terms of their bout: what weight class, what gloves, how many rounds, how much they’ll earn, etc. But remember in 2009 when Oscar De La Hoya shared the ring with Shaquille O’Neal, despite the massive size difference? That wasn’t for rankings or legacy—it was for entertainment. Paul vs. Davis is exactly that: a show.
And here lies the paradox. This kind of fight doesn’t feed the purist side of boxing, but it draws attention. It plays in that gray area between sport and entertainment, between chasing glory and putting on a show. And Jake Paul masters that art like no one else. Yes, purists gnash their teeth. But in the meantime, a dozen boxers will benefit from this card—getting exposure, getting heard, getting paid. For them, it’s not a circus—it’s a unique opportunity.
Photo: The New York Times- Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley
So yes, cynics cry foul and call it fake. Yes, some swear it’s not “real” boxing. But I see something else. I see a character who, despite his provocative image, found a way to breathe new life into a sport that needed it.
Whether you love him or hate him, Jake Paul is shaking up boxing. And for that, I can only tip my hat to him.
