Jake Paul has celebrated becoming one of the top highest-paid athletes for his age after just two years in boxing.
YouTube star turned boxer Paul was ranked sixth on the list of highest-paid athletes under 25 after earning $30million (£24.2m) in winnings for his fights last year. He also pocketed $7million (£5.6m) in endorsements.
He wrote of his position: "Made my pro-debut January 30, 2020. 2 years & 4 months later, I’m the 6th highest-paid athlete in the world 25 and under. Hate me all you want…I’m just gonna prove you wrong. Next stop August 13th."
Paul turned professional in 2020 and knocked out fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in his first bout. He improved to 2-0 by the end of that year, knocking out former NBA point guard Nate Robinson on the undercard of Mike Tyson's return against Roy Jones Jr.
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It wasn't until last year that boxing fans started to take 'The Problem Child' seriously. Headlining his first professional event, Paul knocked out former UFC welterweight Ben Askren in less than two minutes and was guaranteed £500,000 for a quick night at the office.
He also took home a 12.5 per cent cut of the revenue raised by the reported 1.5 million pay-per-views for the event, meaning he likely earned an eight-figure purse. Five months later, he partnered with Showtime to face ex-UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and battled to a split-decision victory.
Paul was guaranteed a $2million (£1.6m) purse and was also given a percentage of the reported 500,000 pay-per-view sales, meaning he once again likely earned another eight-figure payday. He was due to fight Tommy Fury later that year, but the Brit pulled out due to injury and illness, so Woodley replaced him.
For the rematch, Paul was guaranteed a similar amount to the first fight with Woodley but likely made less overall as the event struggled to sell on pay-per-view.
Paul has not fought since knocking out Woodley to end the rivalry, taking time away from the ring to promote Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano's undisputed title fight in April. Now plotting his August return, Paul is on the hunt for an opponent.
In addition to his six-man 'hitlist', Paul has been linked to a $300million (£241.5m) fight against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. The 25-year-old also pushed for a fight with Canelo Alvarez following the Mexican's shock loss to Dmitry Bivol earlier this month.
