Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Jake Paul’s impact on the world of boxing. Once known primarily as a YouTube star, Paul has transformed himself into one of the most polarizing figures in combat sports. In the process, he played a major role in making celebrity boxing a mainstream spectacle. Paul’s boxing journey began in 2018 with an amateur bout against fellow YouTuber Deji, which generated massive online buzz. However, it was his professional debut against former NBA player Nate Robinson in 2020 that truly put him on the map.
What sets Jake Paul apart is his ability to blend entertainment with legitimate boxing ambition. While many initially dismissed his career as a gimmick, Paul has consistently sought tougher competition. Victories over former MMA champions like Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva have added credibility to his name, proving he’s more than just an internet sensation. And now Ilia Topuria also feels he has done a great job in helping the sport grow. ‘El Matador’ recently sat down for a chat on the Full Send podcast and talked about his future plans in the sport.
While speaking on the podcast, he made it clear that he would definitely dip his hands in celebrity boxing once he retires from MMA. However, he also took the opportunity to credit Paul for making the sport big despite his recent setback. He said, “You have to respect that. One way or other, he makes you to go to the TV and watch him fight. And you have to give him his credit you know. And a lot of people say he’s a YouTuber – do the same thing. Do it. Try doing it.”
Well, Topuria is indeed right. Beyond his own fights, Paul has also elevated the sport’s visibility. His pay-per-view events attract a younger audience—many of whom had little interest in boxing before his arrival. By combining viral marketing with big-name opponents, he’s reshaped how boxing is consumed and promoted in the modern age.
The former social media influencer was looking forward to his highly anticipated fight with Canelo Alvarez. Paul, for a long time, wanted to test his skill against the Mexican. However, the fight has now been canceled in the most unusual way. The entire situation has left the younger Paul brother in a tough spot and the fans are also surprised about it. Interestingly, Daniel Cormier shared his honest opinion on the entire controversy.
Daniel Cormier shares why Jake Paul lost his chance to fight Canelo Alvarez
“You’re a money-hungry squirrel chasing your next nut,” Paul quipped after Canelo Alvarez signed a four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh for Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Season. The announcement sent ripples through the sport, especially since many believed a showdown between Paul and the Mexican superstar was on the horizon. With Canelo now tied to the lucrative Saudi-backed series, any hopes of a blockbuster clash with Paul seem to be on hold—at least for now. Daniel Cormier highlighted how the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in the boxing world, was the main reason for him not getting the fight.
Cormier noted that the YouTuber-turned-boxer believed that he had a real shot at facing Canelo Alvarez. However, he thinks it was mainly the money that might have forced Alvarez to change his mind. He said, “He saw what just happened with Jake Paul and Canelo Alvarez. Jake Paul seriously thought he had Canelo. Then Turki Alalshik signed Canelo to a deal with the Saudi fund—I don’t know what it’s called, but it’s the boxing authority, right? The money is so vast there, the opportunities to make big, life-changing money are so big that they can get a guy like Canelo to change course,”
It seems Jake Paul will have to wait until next year for Canelo Alvarez to complete his contract and become available for a potential showdown. With Alvarez now committed to his multi-fight deal, any hopes of facing the Mexican superstar will have to be put on hold—for now. What do you feel about Jake Paul’s cancellation of the fight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post “Try Doing It” – Jake Paul Gets Unexpected Backing From UFC Champ Ilia Topuria as Canelo Alvarez Fight Gets ‘Stolen’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.
