Jake Paul turned 5.3 million followers on a now-defunct app into a $123 million fortune and a boxing career. Here's how he did it
Jake Paul is set to have the most talked about boxing fight of the decade this weekend - but his rise to becoming a box-office combat sports attraction has been a wild one.
The 27-year-old will step into the ring against one of the biggest names in the sport's history, Mike Tyson, for an eight-round professional bout on Saturday afternoon (AEDT).
Paul has become a major drawcard in boxing, despite the widespread criticism and scepticism of his abilities inside the ring.
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Here's how he made it all happen.
Jake Paul has made his mark in boxing. Getty
When and how did Jake Paul become famous?
Paul's unusual trajectory towards stardom began over a decade ago on a now-defunct app called Vine, which was essentially TikTok before TikTok existed.
During his time creating content on the app, Paul amassed over 5.3 million followers and 2 billion views, before it was discontinued.
Paul would then take his talents across to YouTube and other social media platforms, gaining traction with a young demographic for pranks and controversial antics.
He also spent two seasons as a character on Disney Channel original show Bizaardvark, featuring alongside pop singer Olivia Rodrigo.
Paul was axed by Disney after the first two seasons as his controversial antics on social media started to distance from the kid-friendly entertainment juggernaut.
But he showed he didn't need the mainstream to amass fame and fortune and is now worth an estimated $123 million, putting Mike Tyson's own fortune of around $15 million in his shadow.
When did Jake Paul begin his boxing career?
During his time as a social media sensation and Disney television star, Paul would start to take an interest in boxing as his older brother Logan began training in the sport.
Jake made his debut in a white-collar match against Deji Olatunji on the undercard of Logan's amateur bout with KSI, before the latter pair ran it back in a professional bout.
Logan's boxing career was rather short and sweet before he turned his attention to pro wrestling with WWE, but the same can't be said for Jake, who has gone on the record countless times to claim he will become a world champion in the sport.
Logan Paul has become one of the biggest stars in WWE. WWE
How many boxing fights has Jake Paul won?
Since making his pro debut in early-2020 against AnEsonGib, the brash Ohio native has fought on 11 occasions and taken on some of the biggest names in combat sports.
In his third fight, Paul knocked out Olympic and NCAA champion wrestler Ben Askren, before winning back-to-back fights against former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.
Depsite some criticism being thrown his way for taking on MMA fighters who were past their prime, Paul doubled down by facing the legendary Anderson Silva in October 2022.
Paul secured the unanimous decision victory over Silva, who was 47 years of age at the time, to continue to force people take notice in the fight game.
The only blemish on Paul's pro record to date came at the hands of Tommy Fury - the younger brother of heavyweight superstar Tyson - in a controversial split decision.
Jake Paul and Tommy Fury during their fight. Getty
Paul bounced back swiftly by defeating another ex-UFC star, Nate Diaz, in August of last year, before knocking out Andre August, Ryan Bourland and Mike Perry in the past year.
His record after 11 pro bouts stands at 10-1.
Why is Jake Paul fighting Mike Tyson?
All of that early success - regardless of the level of opponent - has led Paul towards a showdown with "The Baddest Man On The Planet" this weekend.
While fighting a man who is more than twice his age has raised eyebrows, Paul and Tyson will put bums on seats and will have the eyes of the boxing world on them.
For better or for worse, fans across the globe will tune in to see Paul and that might be a testament to the old adage about there being no such thing as bad publicity.
Whether he reaches his goal of becoming a world champion is a whole other story.
Will Jake Paul become a world champion?
The short answer would be no, but you can never say never in combat sports.
Two years ago, Paul was told in no uncertain terms by world-renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn that his dreams of holding championship gold were rather far-fetched.
"I think there's absolutely no way he can beat a world champion and become world champion," Hearn said during a 2022 interview.
"A real boxer is someone who that is his craft. I'll give you the props, I'll give you the respect. You're improving all the time, but the proof will be in the pudding.
"I don't believe you'll ever get close to being a world-class fighter."
Eddie Hearn has doubted Jake Paul's lofty ambitions. Sportsfile via Getty Images
Since those infamous words were uttered, Paul has gone on to fight and lose against Fury, before defeating other ex-UFC fighters in Diaz and Perry.
Given the quality in the heavyweight division right now, which is headlined by the likes of Oleksander Usyk and Daniel Dubois, it's incredibly unlikely Paul will ever reach that level.
Paul has also competed at cruiserweight, where Australian star Jai Opetaia currently holds two belts and has a perfect record through 26 fights, while the light-heavyweight division is run by the unbeaten Artur Beterbiev who has all five titles.
What is Jake Paul's net worth?
Paul has an estimated net worth of $123.6 million AUD.
How old is Jake Paul?
Paul is 27 years old.
He was born on January 17, 1997 and was raised in Cleveland, Ohio.
