Jake Joseph Paul, born on January 17, 1997, in Cleveland, Ohio, is an American professional boxer, influencer, and actor who has made a significant impact in the entertainment and sports industries. Initially gaining fame as a social media personality, he became known for his comedic videos and stunts on platforms like Vine, where he amassed millions of followers before the app was discontinued. His transition to YouTube in May 2014 marked the beginning of a new chapter, where he further solidified his reputation as one of the highest-paid YouTube creators of the 2010s and 2020s.
Paul's acting career began with a feature role in the 2016 film Dance Camp, and he quickly rose to prominence as Dirk Mann in the Disney Channel series Bizaardvark, which aired from 2016 to 2018. In addition to his work on television, he has appeared in films such as Airplane Mode (2019), Mainstream (2020), and A Genie's Tail (2022). His television appearances also include guest spots on shows like Walk the Prank, The Price Is Right, and Ridiculousness.
In August 2018, Paul began his boxing journey with a white-collar match against fellow YouTuber Deji Olatunji, which he won by technical knockout. His professional boxing debut followed in January 2020 against AnEsonGib, which he also won, setting the stage for a series of high-profile bouts. He achieved notable victories over former basketball player Nate Robinson and mixed martial arts fighters such as Ben Askren, Tyron Woodley (twice), and Anderson Silva. However, in February 2023, he faced his first defeat against active professional boxer Tommy Fury, losing by split decision.
Despite the setback, Paul quickly rebounded, claiming victories against fighters like Nate Diaz, Andre August, Ryan Bourland, and Mike Perry. His fight against Mike Tyson in November 2024 not only marked a significant milestone in his career but also generated the largest boxing gate receipts in U.S. history outside of Las Vegas, showcasing his drawing power. However, in December 2025, he faced his first stoppage loss to former two-time unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua. Earlier that year, he had triumphed over former WBC middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr., which briefly earned him a top fifteen ranking in the Cruiserweight division by the World Boxing Association.
In addition to his boxing endeavors, Paul founded Most Valuable Promotions in 2021, establishing a boxing promotion alongside his adviser Nakisa Bidarian. He also ventured into the business world with the creation of Anti Fund, a venture capital firm in partnership with Geoffrey Woo. As a multifaceted entertainer, Jake Paul continues to make headlines, balancing his careers in social media, acting, and professional boxing while navigating the complexities and challenges of fame.