For better or worse, Jake Paul may be the biggest name in the world of professional boxing. Since making his debut back in January 2020, the social-media-influencer-turned-boxer has amassed a 12-1 record as part of some of the biggest fights of the decade, bringing millions of his own fans to the sport. His fights, like the 2024 bout against Mike Tyson, have brought in record numbers, but one boxing legend sees them as nothing more than sideshows.
Jones Jr. spoke with talkSPORT BET in November 2025, ahead of what was supposed to be the week of Paul’s latest Netflix fight, sharing his take that Jake Paul and other influencers’ involvement with the sport is indeed driving interest. However, in comparing it to a “sideshow,” the former world champ believes those personalities are overshadowing the sport biggest talents, saying:
