Many were shocked when Youtube star Jake Paul announced he would be fighting One FC and Bellator champion Ben Askren. Askren was once the most sought after fighter in the sport – but had since suffered a good deal of injuries and as a result had a very short tenure in the UFC. Paul has since then gone on to fight former UFC Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley – and defeat him via KO.
View this post on Instagram
Jake Paul was recently asked by the infamous ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith why he went into the sport. Here’s what he had to say in response:
“… part of it, you know, is showing other boxers that you are your own promoter. You have to, you know, take control of your social media handles. Be your own brand ambassador, you can’t just rely on your promoter these days to make your fights sell.”
“You got to take that in your own hands – is your own responsibility. So that’s what I’m trying to show boxers. And yeah, just like everything increasing fighter pay, you know. Helping the woman’s boxing – who – they have been underpaid for, you know, this whole entire time.”
And Paul is not all words – he represents one of the biggest names in female boxing in Amanda Serrano and he just facilitated signing of her agreement to fight Katie Taylor in Madison Square Guarden.
Serrano previously backed Paul in his feud with the UFC by saying:
“I will gladly sign a one-fight deal with the UFC to challenge Valentina (Shevchenko) for the Flyweight Championship if UFC agrees to Jake’s offer. Let’s make history.”
Paul personally confirmed Serrano’s match up in the same interview:
“Big announcement. Just now Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano, is officially signed and set up for April 30. In Madison Square Garden. It’s a historic moments. So I’m just trying to, you know, help fighters on all different angles and change the game and leave a real impact. ”