Jake Paul’s battle in opposition to Tommy Fury is anticipated to attract an viewers of tens of millions when it lastly goes forward on Sunday.
Paul falls into the camp of influencers straddling martial arts and social media – additionally amongst them are his brother Logan Paul and rapper KSI, the duo behind the viral vitality drink Prime.
However how did the web star make a reputation for himself and go from viral movies to a boxing profession?
Jake Paul’s social media stardom
Paul, 26, was born in Ohio and first made a reputation for himself as a teen on the now-defunct video sharing platform Vine.
By the point Vine shut down in early 2017, he had 5.3 million followers and practically 2 billion video performs.
The Paul brothers made prank and stunt movies which in addition they posted on YouTube.
Jake Paul spun his YouTube success into Staff 10, an “leisure collective” centred round a mansion the place budding creators lived and made content material collectively.
Nonetheless, the undertaking grew to become mired in controversy, with residents accusing Paul of being exploited for clicks.
Jake Paul and Logan Paul Pic: AP
Courting controversy
Jake Paul landed a lead position on Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark, however left mid-way by means of the second season after native TV station KTLA 5 reported on his neighbour’s complaints about him.
They stated the noise and relentless stunts had turned the road right into a “dwelling hell” and so they have been reportedly contemplating a lawsuit, though this was not filed.
Paul was investigated after movies confirmed him amongst mall looters throughout the top of protests after George Floyd’s loss of life.
The FBI raided his dwelling however the expenses have been dropped.
Learn extra:
KSI urges followers to not pay over the percentages for Prime drinks
Fury branded ‘boxing’s largest b****’
Pic: AP
In 2021, TikTok star Justine Paradise alleged Jake Paul sexually assaulted her in 2019, a declare he denies.
She claimed he pressured her to carry out oral intercourse on him and touched her with out consent. Paul stated the allegations have been “100% false”.
In 2020 he referred to as COVID a “hoax” and referred to as for the tip of lockdown.
Boxing profession
Nicknamed The Downside Baby, Paul is six fights into his profession as knowledgeable boxer.
He gained all six of these fights and 4 have been knockout wins.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Jake Paul says his upcoming battle in opposition to Tommy Fury is a ‘stepping stone’ in his quest to grow to be world champion
Paul topped the primary official influencer boxing chart, with the rankings reflecting the latest explosion within the recognition of celeb boxing amongst YouTubers and social media stars.
Earlier than going professional, Paul went up in opposition to fellow YouTuber Deji, youthful brother of rapper and influencer KSI, in an newbie battle in 2018.
The pair fought on the undercard of their brothers’ battle.
Paul will face Tommy Fury on Sunday 26 February in Saudi Arabia, in a grudge match that has been twice delayed – as soon as when Fury pulled out as a consequence of sickness and as soon as as a consequence of visa points.
Fury has declared he’ll end Paul’s professional boxing career with the battle, promising he’s in for a “impolite awakening”.
In the meantime, Paul’s coach has stated he will be “demolishing” Fury once they field on Sunday.
Pic: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports activities
A crusader for UFC pay
Regardless of being a boxer slightly than UFC fighter, Paul is outspoken about what UFC pays its fighters.
Paul has referred to as for UFC fighters to be paid $50,000 per battle – they at the moment get $12,000 – in addition to 50% of UFC’s earnings and long-term healthcare.
He has repeatedly publicly referred to as out UFC boss Dana White, who instructed GQ in an interview “these guys receives a commission what they’re imagined to receives a commission”, including “In case you do not prefer it … Go begin your personal MMA organisation”.
