• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Have Influencers and Celebrities Saved Boxing?

Handout Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Say what you want about influencers-turned-boxers, one of the greatest fighters ever is a fan.

“Jake Paul and his brother, they are God-gifted YouTube boxers. Boxing should give them a belt, because these guys brought boxing back to life,” said Mike Tyson.

In November, Paul knocked out former NBA player Nate Robinson in the undercard for Tyson and Roy Jones Jr.’s comeback bout. The event sold over 1.6 million pay-per-views and generated more than $80 million in revenue.

Less than a week later, Triller and Snoop Dogg, whose commentary on the Jake Paul and Tyson fights was well received, launched a boxing league called “The Fight Club.”

Several others are capitalizing on the trend:

  • Jose Canseco made $1 million for his bout with a Barstool Sports intern on Friday night. The disgraced ex-MLB star fell to canvas 12 seconds into the $20 PPV match, but received a share of the revenue.
  • In April, Jake Paul will fight retired UFC star Ben Askren.
  • In June, Celebrity Boxing will host a fight between retired NBA champion Lamar Odom and singer Aaron Carter.
  • Logan Paul, Jake’s older brother, is set to fight Floyd Mayweather in an upcoming exhibition match.  

Mayweather is also interested in fighting his friend-turned-nemesis 50 Cent, and said he’ll take on Jake if he beats Askren.

One can’t deny the allure of legends like Tyson and Mayweather, nor the vast social followings of the Paul brothers, but there’s been a surprising embrace of boxing events involving YouTubers and retired athletes that would have been inconceivable just a few years ago.

“My ego said so many things, but my reality is: they help boxing so much,” Tyson said. “They owe these YouTube boxers some kind of respect.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.
Sep 6, 2025; Paris, FRANCE; Brad Tavares (red gloves) fights Robert Bryczek (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Accor Arena.

TKO President Mark Shapiro Pops Talk of Valuation Bubble, Defends UFC Deal

“Sports is the last bastion of unifying content in this world.”

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.

YouTube’s Revised NFL Game Rating Still Has Fox, ESPN Execs Upset 

Adjusted viewership metrics from the streamer reignited debate about the game.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Kawhi Leonard

A Timeline of the Kawhi Leonard-Clippers-Aspiration Saga

Investigations into the Clippers’ business dealings with Leonard date back years.
September 11, 2025

NHL To Allow Players From Hockey Canada Trial To Return This Winter

The five Canadian players were all acquitted in July.
Joe Burrow
September 15, 2025

Joe Burrow Out for Months After Bengals’ Pricey Offseason

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are the highest-paid WR duo in NFL history.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.