Who is Jake Paul? Mike Tyson conqueror was sacked by Disney and rose to fame via Vine

Jake Paul’s rise to fame

Jake Paul’s fame comes from a now-defunct app called Vine. The videos he created on the app saw him gain over 5.3 million followers and over two billion views. But when the app was shut down, Paul switched to YouTube and other platforms. His early videos became popular due to his pranks and usually controversial antics.

Jake Paul’s Disney phase

Paul used to play a character called Dirk Mann, one of the five main characters on a Disney Channel series called Bizaardvark, also featuring pop singer Olivia Rodrigo. But he was forced to quit the series midway through the second season. Reports suggest that Disney made the decision to axe Paul due to his controversial antics on social media, which did not go well with the child-friendly theme of the show.

Jake Paul lands a left to Mike Tyson during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Jake Paul’s pivot to boxing

After earning fame, Paul took an interest in boxing and even relocated to Puerto Rico to focus fully on his training and boxing career. He made his pro debut in early-2020 against AnEsonGib, another YouTuber. Since then, he’s fought on 12 occasions. He has copped flak for taking on fighters who were clearly past their prime, like Olympic and NCAA champion wrestler Ben Askren and former UFC champion Tyron Woodley. He also beat the legendary Anderson Silva in October 2022, when Silva was 47 years old.

Paul has lost only once: to Tommy Fury, the younger brother of Tyson Fury.

Jake Paul’s crusade against bullying

Away from the boxing ring, Paul has had a Boxing Bullies foundation, a nonprofit that empowers and inspires young people through boxing, since 2021. He’s been an outspoken advocate for fighter rights and pay equity and has partnered with USA Boxing to support the development of future Olympic athletes.