It’s Jake’s World!
By Eddie Sanchez
Jake Paul has been earning a respectable income in boxing for a few years now. His transition from social media influencer to professional boxer has been equally controversial and captivating. There is a clear divide between those who enjoy the entertainment he provides and those who have a strong distaste for him. While the general opinion of him is up for debate, one thing that is not debatable is that he is a business-plus at the moment.
In a boxing career that includes fighting an ex-NBA player, two former mixed martial arts champions, and another fellow influencer, Jake Paul has seemingly increased the level of opposition he faces with each bout. With the momentum of his boxing career at an all-time high, Jake Paul made an interesting move that shocked to industry.
On January 5, 2023, Jake Paul inked a deal with the PFL (Professional Fighters League) to compete as a professional mixed martial artist for the promotion. Paul’s influence is so profound, that he and the PFL have co-created a pay-per-view division called “PFL PPV Super Fight. ” In this division, fighters will receive 50% of the revenue from its events. Although Paul is the first fighter signed to the new division, this is groundbreaking for super fights, and monumental considering this is a completely different sport than he was competing in for the past three-plus years. He does not have a match scheduled but plans to compete in 2023. This news prompted a callout to the now former UFC legend, Nate Diaz.
Whether or not Jake Paul ends up fighting Nate Diaz twice in this format, let alone once, will be a tale to see, but less than two weeks later the man has seemingly made more moves within the combat sports scene.
It is heavily rumored by those in the industry, including the great Ariel Helwani, that a new contract is set for Jake Paul to face Tommy Fury on February 25. It is said to be a ‘Done Deal.’
This is huge if this fight happens. Huge “If” considering that this bout has been scrapped twice previously due to an injury and visa issues, both to Tommy Fury respectively. Assuming all is well this time around, we will see Jake Paul face someone who is a fully-trained professional boxer. While many will downplay Tommy Fury’s former opposition, his status as a professional from a fighting family can not be denied. He is the younger brother to heavyweight champion Tyson Fury after all.
These are opportunities that are HUGE for the sport, and further proof that combat sports are doing their best to resonate with a younger audience. While many could argue that this is a poor taste for each respective sport, and an honor that is undeserving when you consider those that will work their ass off and never come close to sniffing this type of opportunity, the fact remains that while unconventional, Jake Paul has found a path and walked down that road. That argument will have to be taken another day, because for now with the amount of buzz these moves have made, any argument against them will fall on deaf ears.
Want more? Check out Episode One of Championship Round:
