• Loading stock data...
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Tuned In is Almost Sold Out! Limited Tickets Remain!

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

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

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

17.3M Watch Chiefs-Chargers on YouTube—Below Lofty Hopes

The NFL’s Brazil game fails to match streaming results from last Christmas.

Fox, ESPN Cry Foul Over Big Nielsen Number Expected for YouTube’s NFL..

Fox and ESPN executives criticized Nielsen’s use of custom measurement for YouTube.
Jason Kelce
exclusive

YouTube Approached Jason Kelce for Chiefs Game, ESPN Said No

ESPN continues to enforce its policy of not lending talents to streamers.

Featured Today

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.

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.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
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 10, 2025

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

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
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 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.
Caitlin Clark
September 4, 2025

Caitlin Clark Says She Won’t Return From Injury This Year

She only played 13 games this season.
James Harden
September 4, 2025

James Harden’s Houston Restaurant Shut for Falling $2 Million Behind in Rent

A sign on the door says the locks have been changed.