Jake Paul’s promotional company have confirmed that the social media star has officially retired from influencer boxing.
The 27-year-old hasn’t fought another influencer since 2020, when he defeated AnEsonGib in his professional debut. Since then, both men have made successful careers for themselves in the ring, albeit with Paul’s a more legitimate fighting one.
And despite the massive money that would be on the table for fights with his long-time rival KSI or even his brother Logan, Jake Paul isn’t keen on any more influencer boxing. Instead, he intends to power on with his professional career and pursuit of world titles.
- Who is Jake Paul? Get to know the YouTuber-turned-boxing sensation after his record-breaking fight with Mike Tyson
Jake Paul’s promotion confirms his retirement from influencer boxing
Last week saw the return of Jake Paul’s first professional and amateur opponents AnEsonGib and Deji Olatunji, both on the same Misfits Boxing ‘Super Card’ in Qatar. ‘Gib’ took on Slim Albaher, defeating the Brooklyn native over eight rounds, while Deji landed a bizarre third round win over 0-5 Dawood Savage.
And in the aftermath of the event, Paul declared that “we do not care” about Deji’s result, while his promotional outfit Most Valuable Promotions declared he was done with the influencer scene. They named ‘Gib’, and not Paul’s rival KSI or even his brother Logan, as the top fighter in that space.
“Flashback Friday to when Jake Paul was an influencer boxer,” MVP wrote on Instagram. “2 fights, 2-0, 2KOs. The best there was, is and ever will be. Jake Paul is RETIRED from that sport.
“They need him, he doesn’t need them… Hence why they said his name 400 times this past week. Gib is the current best in that sport.”
AnEsonGib defended Jake Paul over Mike Tyson fight
The respect between Gib and Paul appears to be mutual, with the Brit acknowledging the massive scale of his old rival’s recent fight with Mike Tyson. The fight was widely criticized in the combat world, but ‘Gib’ understood that the overall presentation was a positive.
Speaking exclusively with Bloody Elbow ahead of his fight with Slim Albaher last week, he explained: “It was a great exhibition. It was a good platform to be on [with Netflix], no one got seriously hurt but yeah you felt sorry for Mike a few times.
“He didn’t look sharp or good… Mike didn’t get hit too hard, right? From the clips that I saw it didn’t look too bad.
“I like [Jake’s] journey so far, he’s done good. I’m not sure where he’s going to go now from this, but I’m sure him and his team are going to make a perfect plan. The event was successful so I’m sure they have a plan.”
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