The boxing career of Jake Paul began in August 2018 with a technical knockout victory against Deji Olatunji. Since that initial amateur match, the Cleveland-born influencer transitioned into professional fighting, facing a series of former MMA athletes and basketball players before challenging ranked active boxers in high-profile bouts that generated significant gate receipts across the United States.
Early Career and Digital Media
Born on January 17, 1997, Paul started his public career in September 2013 by uploading content to the Vine application. Before the platform was discontinued, he accumulated 5.3 million followers and 2 billion views. He transitioned to YouTube in May 2014, eventually becoming recognized by Forbes as one of the highest-paid creators across two decades. In 2016, he founded the entertainment collective Team 10 and, by 2017, established TeamDom with $1 million in startup funding to focus on influencer management.
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Paul held various acting positions, including his first feature film role in the 2016 production Dance Camp. From 2016 to 2018, he played the character Dirk Mann on the Disney Channel series Bizaardvark. His tenure at Disney ended following negative media coverage regarding noise complaints from his neighbors. Beyond television, he appeared in feature films such as Airplane Mode, Mainstream, and A Genie's Tail, alongside guest spots on programs like The Price Is Right and Ridiculousness.
Professional Boxing Progression
His professional debut occurred in January 2020 against AnEsonGib. Subsequent victories included matches against Nate Robinson, Ben Askren, and Tyron Woodley. In February 2023, he faced his first active professional boxer, Tommy Fury, resulting in a loss via split decision. He recovered with a winning streak against opponents including Nate Diaz, Mike Perry, and Ryan Bourland. In November 2024, his bout against Mike Tyson in Texas established one of the largest gate records in American boxing history outside of Las Vegas.
Business and Investment Ventures
Alongside his athletic pursuits, Paul diversified into venture capital and sports promotion. In 2021, he founded Most Valuable Promotions with his adviser Nakisa Bidarian. He also co-founded Anti Fund with Geoffrey Woo. According to reporting by The New York Times in 2026, Anti Fund managed assets totaling $180 million, following the closure of a $100 million growth capital fund.
Fast facts
- Born: 1997, Cleveland, Ohio
- Vine debut: September 2013
- YouTube channel launch: May 2014
- Professional boxing debut: January 2020
- Team 10 founding: 2016
- Most Valuable Promotions founding: 2021
- Anti Fund managed capital: $180 million (2026)
- Acting debut: Dance Camp (2016)
Questions readers ask
What was Jake Paul's first boxing match?
His first match was a white-collar bout against Deji Olatunji in August 2018, which he won by technical knockout.
Why did he leave Disney Channel?
He left the series Bizaardvark in 2017 following public complaints regarding disturbances in his neighborhood.
