In the unlikeliest twist yet in modern boxing, Jake Paul is now gearing up to face former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua — a matchup few could have imagined when Paul first stepped into the ring seven years ago.
With global curiosity intensifying and Anthony Joshua odds already sparking debate, it’s a good time to look back at how the YouTuber-turned-boxer went from internet pranks to headlining arenas opposite one of the sport’s biggest names.
The beginning of cross-overs in boxing
The story began in 2018, when Paul co-headlined what would become the landmark moment for influencer boxing. Fighting Deji at Manchester Arena as the co-main event of Logan Paul vs KSI, the event was a chaotic collision of online culture and combat sports.
Logan and KSI battled to a draw, while Jake carved out his first taste of ring success with a sixth-round TKO victory. The bouts weren’t professional, and few observers realised what this spectacle would evolve into — a full-blown crossover movement that would alter the sport’s landscape.
Transition to professional boxing
Paul’s professional debut came early in 2020 against AnEsonGib in Miami, sharing a card with WBO titleholder Demetrius Andrade. Under the bright lights, he made short work of his opponent, winning by first-round TKO.
His second pro fight came later that year against former NBA star Nate Robinson at the Staples Center. Again, Paul finished the job quickly, securing a brutal knockout in the second round. As bizarre as these matchups were, they established Paul as more than a gimmick — he had legitimate athletic ability and a clear plan to climb the boxing ladder.
MMA era
Determined to prove himself further, Paul entered a new phase of his career: taking on former MMA champions. Ben Askren was first in 2021 — and Paul stunned many with yet another first-round stoppage.
He then embarked on a two-fight saga with former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. The first bout in Cleveland went the distance with Paul edging a split decision. In the rematch, when Woodley stepped in for the injured Tommy Fury, Paul delivered a blistering knockout that earned ESPN Ringside’s “Knockout of the Year” award.
The influencer’s MMA tour continued with a unanimous decision victory over the iconic Anderson Silva. Silva, a former UFC middleweight king, became Paul’s most respected win at the time — a result that further legitimised his crossover ambitions.
First defeat against Fury
After multiple delays, Paul finally met Tommy Fury in the ring in February 2023. Given Fury’s boxing lineage, the pressure was immense. Despite being dropped in the final round, Fury boxed the cleaner fight and earned a split-decision victory in the grudge match. It was Paul’s first professional loss — and a much-needed reality check.
Breaking barriers against Mike Tyson
Paul rebuilt slowly with wins over Nate Diaz, Andre August, Ryan Bourland and Michael Perry, but it was the announcement of a fight with Mike Tyson that sent shockwaves across sport.
The bout — postponed due to health concerns for the former heavyweight great — eventually took place last November. Paul defeated the former undisputed champion via unanimous decision in front of a packed AT&T Stadium.
The event broke boundaries, drawing a peak 65 million Netflix viewers and generating over $18 million at the gate. Regardless of Tyson’s age, it was a massive step in Paul’s quest to be recognised as a legitimate draw.
For many punters exploring boxing odds, the Tyson fight signalled that Paul was no longer just dabbling — he was pushing into the sport’s biggest stages.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr
Paul’s most recent bout came in June against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr at the Honda Center. The fight itself was a peculiar one, with former world champion Chavez Jr offering surprisingly little aggression, allowing Paul to dominate throughout and secure a unanimous decision win. It wasn’t explosive, but it was another victory over an opponent with genuine boxing credentials.
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Now, all roads lead to Joshua. It is a matchup that blends spectacle with sporting intrigue, excess with opportunity — and whether fans admire or resent his rise, Paul has undeniably fought his way from YouTube fame to the biggest and most improbable test of his boxing career.