Jake Paul, the controversial YouTube star turned professional boxer, has announced a partnership with USA Boxing to train and mentor athletes for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Paul, who has a 4-0 record in the ring, said he wants to help bring boxing to the forefront and inspire the next generation of fighters.
Paul’s passion for boxing
Paul started his boxing career in 2018, when he fought fellow YouTuber Deji in an amateur bout. He then turned pro in 2020, and has since knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson, former MMA fighter Ben Askren, and former UFC champion Tyron Woodley. Paul has also been vocal about his ambition to fight the best in the sport, and has called out names like Conor McGregor, Canelo Alvarez, and Floyd Mayweather.
Paul said he fell in love with boxing after his first fight, and has dedicated himself to learning and improving his skills. He said he trains six days a week, and has hired boxing legends like Shane Mosley and BJ Flores as his coaches. He also said he respects the history and tradition of boxing, and wants to honor the legacy of the greats who came before him.
“Boxing is my passion, and I want to share it with the world,” Paul said. “I want to show people that boxing is not a dying sport, but a thriving one. I want to inspire young kids to pick up the gloves and chase their dreams.”
USA Boxing’s vision for 2024
USA Boxing is the national governing body for Olympic-style boxing in the United States. It oversees the development and selection of the national team, and provides support and resources for the athletes and coaches. USA Boxing has a rich history of producing Olympic champions, such as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, and Claressa Shields.
USA Boxing said it welcomes Paul’s partnership, and hopes to benefit from his popularity and influence. USA Boxing said Paul will help raise awareness and funds for the organization, and will also offer his expertise and guidance to the Olympic hopefuls. USA Boxing said Paul will join the national team in training camps, sparring sessions, and events, and will also create content and merchandise to promote the sport.
“We are excited to partner with Jake Paul, who has shown a genuine interest and commitment to boxing,” said Mike McAtee, the executive director of USA Boxing. “We believe he can help us reach new audiences and generate more support for our athletes and coaches. We also believe he can provide valuable insights and tips to our Olympic contenders, who are working hard to represent our country in 2024.”
The reaction from the boxing community
The partnership between Paul and USA Boxing has received mixed reactions from the boxing community. Some have praised Paul for his contribution and involvement, while others have criticized him for his lack of experience and credibility. Some have also questioned the ethics and motives of the deal, and whether it will benefit or harm the sport.
Among those who have expressed their support for Paul are former world champions Andre Ward and Sergio Mora, who said Paul is good for boxing and deserves respect for his efforts. Ward said Paul is bringing attention and excitement to the sport, and is also challenging himself by fighting tough opponents. Mora said Paul is a smart businessman and a talented fighter, and is also helping the sport grow and evolve.
Among those who have expressed their skepticism or disdain for Paul are current world champions Terence Crawford and Teofimo Lopez, who said Paul is bad for boxing and does not belong in the sport. Crawford said Paul is disrespecting the sport and the fighters, and is only in it for the money and fame. Lopez said Paul is a joke and a clown, and is also taking away opportunities and exposure from the real fighters.
The future of Jake Paul and USA Boxing
Paul and USA Boxing said they are looking forward to working together and achieving their goals for the 2024 Olympics. Paul said he hopes to help USA Boxing win more medals and glory, and also to discover and nurture new talents and stars. Paul said he also has his own personal goals and aspirations, and plans to continue his boxing career and take on bigger and better challenges.
Paul said he is currently preparing for his next fight, which is scheduled for August 2023 against former UFC star Nate Diaz. Paul said he expects a tough and exciting fight, and is confident of his victory. Paul said he also has his eyes on other potential opponents, such as Tommy Fury, the younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, and Dillon Danis, the training partner of Conor McGregor.
“I’m not here to play games, I’m here to make history,” Paul said. “I’m here to prove myself as a legitimate boxer, and to take over the sport. I’m here to shock the world, and to show everyone what I’m capable of. I’m here to stay, and I’m here to win.”
