Why Jake Paul started boxing and how he became famous as ‘Problem Child’ prepares to fight Anderson Silva this weekend in biggest bout of his professional career

Jake Paul, whether you like him or not is a name that will continue to be in boxing for many years to come.

The American star is outspoken and controversial, but he is making waves in the game, appearing in the ring, and starting his own promotions company, Most Valuable Promotions.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a phenomenal rise to the top and is now one of boxing’s most talked about competitors.

Many would argue that he has yet to fight someone of high caliber and his true ability in the ring are still unknown.

But you can’t argue he is leading the way when it comes to this new generation of boxers made famous through social media, and he will be back in the ring this weekend to face Anderson Silva.

Why does Jake Paul still box?

The social media celebrity turned professional boxer is involved with the sport since 2018.

And ‘The Problem Child’ admitted in an interview last year with Rolling Stone that the thrill of being a professional fighter is something he couldn’t find anywhere else.

He said: “Showing up and working your a** off, being alert. I don’t know what else could really compare to being a professional fighter.

“I think it’s probably the hardest thing in the world you could possibly do.”

Paul was a competitive athlete as a child and that adrenaline rush is what he still longs for.

The American’s boxing career started as something he did alongside his other work, but now, it is his main job, and it’s the love of the sport that has led him to this point.

He said: “When I got the opportunity to box when I was 21, it brought back the old Jake Paul.

“It brought back the competitive, athletic Jake Paul. It just made me fall in love.

“When I won my first boxing match, it was one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

How did Jake Paul become so well-known?

Paul was first famous for his Vine videos, before he moved onto YouTube.

He also appeared on Disney Channel as Dirk Mann, Bizaardvark’s lead character for two series.

He began his YouTube career by creating a daily video and was involved in many controversial events.

In a number of his videos, he has been accused of producing content that wasn’t age-appropriate for his younger fans.

He also broke Covid rules and once called the virus a ‘hoax’.

However, he is a very popular social media user with 4.4million Twitter followers, 21m on Instagram and 20.4m YouTube subscribers.

However, his attention is now primarily on his boxing career. He will be looking to improve his 5-0-0 record and extend his current 5-0-0 record.