Since 2020, the Jake Paul has taken over the boxing world. The YouTuber has knocked out four of the five opponents he has faced and has improved with every fight. Paul's YouTuber-turned-boxer path has ignited debates about whether he's ultimately good for the sport.
Just how legitimate is he inside the ring?
In the past, Paul (5-0) has faced NBA stars, YouTubers, and former MMA champions. He is scheduled to face his toughest opponent to date in former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.
Following a career in which he went 34-11 with one no-contest, Silva left MMA behind in 2020 to focus on boxing. "The Spider" previously competed in a boxing ring in 1998 and 2005, going 1-1. He returned in 2021, beating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Mexico. In September 2021, Silva knocked out former MMA fighter Tito Ortiz in the first round. He recently fought Bruno Machado this past May in a non-scored bout.
There's little doubt that Paul has become a massively popular draw. The Sporting News has provided a breakdown of his five previous fights, ranking them from easiest to hardest.
MORE: All you need to know about Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva
5. Nate Robinson (November 2020)
After beating AnEsonGib in his first pro bout (we’ll get to him) and demanding KSI right after, Paul went on a different route and faced three-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion Nate Robinson. The fight was on a card featuring a returning Mike Tyson facing Roy Jones Jr. It was the perfect addition to the Triller Fight Club-hosted event.
Robinson was dropped late in the first round after Paul engaged within the clinch. In the second, Paul dropped Robinson two more times. The second knockdown caused Robinson to fall face first. Paul was awarded the win after the referee called the fight off.
"The Problem Child" looked like an improved fighter, even though his opponent was a non-factor.
4. AnEsonGib (January 2020)
Paul’s first fight was against YouTube star AnEsonGib, who actually had boxing experience thanks to two amateur bouts.
Paul had the clear size advantage, and AnEsonGib could not steady himself when Paul launched power shots at him. He scored three knockdowns against AnEsonGib, and the referee had no choice but to call the fight off and give Paul the TKO win.
The 25-year-old fought on a legit boxing card in Miami, highlighted by Demetrius Andrade vs. Luke Keeler. It was a small taste of things to come.
The most memorable fight will always be your first, but it wasn't the best.
MORE: Timeline for Jake Paul vs. KSI winner-take-all fight at Wembley
3. Ben Askren (April 2021)
This did not last longer than the Nate Robinson fight. In fact, it could be argued that Robinson put on a better performance than Askren.
After fighting YouTube stars and NBA players, Paul fought an actual combat sports star in Askren. The former ONE and Bellator welterweight champion was coming off a two-fight losing streak in the UFC. His reputation for having a unique personality was perfect at the time for Paul.
It was an easy win for Paul, who knocked out what seemed like an unmotivated Askren less than two minutes into the first round.
2. Tyron Woodley 1 (August 2021)
This was the first time Paul went the distance, and it was against another MMA fighter in Tyron Woodley. Compared to Askren, however, Woodley, a former UFC welterweight champion, was in prime shape. The beef between the two helped sell the fight.
Paul was economical in his punches, landing 35 power shots. He did land 71 shots overall compared to 52 for Woodley. It looked as though Woodley had Paul by the ropes and was ready to end it. Paul was able to recover, and the fight went the distance.
“The Problem Child’” won via split decision, but it wasn’t over between the two.
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1. Tyron Woodley 2 (December 2021)
In December 2021, Paul was ready to fight rival Tommy Fury. Training hard for the "Love Island" star, Paul was blindsided when it was revealed that Fury had to back out of the bout due to a broken rib.
Luckily, Paul’s rivalry with Woodley was just starting. With about two weeks before fight night (Dec. 18), Woodley stepped up and took on Paul. Just like their first fight, it was competitive from the start. Both fighters were trying to find an opening. It appeared we were heading towards another bout where the judges were needed.
Paul ended all doubt with one swing.
Paul landed a massive shot that dropped Woodley down to the floor. He was out cold, and Paul posed in front of a shocked crowd. While it wasn’t as competitive as the first fight, the knockout made it a bout and moment to remember.