YouTube star Jake Paul believes his innovation helped him become the world's highest-paid boxer last year.
Paul won three professional fights last year by knocking out Ben Askren and beating ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley twice. The 25-year-old has made his stamp on the boxing world by earning a massive $45million for those three fights.
'The Problem Child' has taken some time away from the ring to focus on promoting Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano later this month, but is targeting a return in August.
In a preview of his Real Sports episode, Paul was asked how he made $45m to which he replied: "Man, you know, innovation I think, and doing things differently, and knocking people out.” His win over Woodley last December meant he has knocked out every opponent he's faced in the ring.
Paul and Woodley both earned a guaranteed $2m purse for their first meeting last August and took home a percentage of the reported 500,000 PPV sales. Paul also took home a similar payday for their rematch.
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His fight with Askren last April marked the first time Paul had headlined a PPV event, reportedly taking home an eight-figure payday for the 120-second bout. Paul made less than $600 for his 2020 win against Nate Robinson, but that likely jumped up to another eight-figure payday after receiving a percentage of pay-per-view sales.
Paul's $45m earnings even drew the attention of his father and his brother Logan, who both questioned how much he made in the year. Reports first stated that Paul made $40million and he made sure to let everyone know this was less than the official figure.
"My dad called me and asked if the numbers that were reported were inflated. 'I knew you made close to that but did you really make that?!' he asked. The answer was, 'Yes dad and in fact the numbers are slightly low'," Paul said.
"Mind you I don't lie to my dad and he knows everything about my life. Even my brother thought the numbers were lower. A lot of times Forbes inflates the number made. In 2018 when I made the list I made $17m and they reported $22m I believe.
"On this time they are actually behind and the numbers are actually low. Most celebs would say, 'Thank the lord I'm so blessed" but I say any regular mother****** could do this s*** if you are a sicko and ready to die for your cause."
