Is Jake Paul Really the Biggest Name in Boxing? A Debate Fueled by a Hollywood Icon
Boxing has always been a blend of skill, spectacle, and drama, and 2025 is proving to be no exception. After a wild 2024—where Oleksandr Usyk dominated Tyson Fury twice and a YouTuber-turned-boxer outpointed the legendary Mike Tyson—the sport continues to deliver surprises. Among the biggest questions in boxing right now: Is Jake Paul truly the most popular fighter in the sport?
The Canelo vs. Crawford Dream That Never Came True
Last year, boxing fans were buzzing about a potential showdown between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez. It was the kind of super fight that draws massive crowds—a clash of champions from different weight classes. However, with the recent launch of a new boxing league led by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and UFC President Dana White, the sport’s landscape is shifting. This new league promises bigger fights, higher paydays, and a shake-up of the traditional boxing hierarchy.
But who are the sport’s biggest names in this changing era? If you think it’s only seasoned professionals, think again. Hollywood actor and martial artist Michael Jai White recently weighed in on the debate, and his perspective might surprise you.
Michael Jai White’s Take: Is Canelo Still the Biggest Star?
In a recent conversation on DJ Vlad’s podcast, White challenged the idea that boxing’s biggest stars are more popular than MMA fighters. “No, I wouldn’t say that,” he said, countering the common belief that boxing naturally produces larger-than-life figures.
However, he did acknowledge that historically, the sport has had some of the biggest names in combat sports—fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Evander Holyfield. When asked who the most popular boxer is today, White initially pointed to Canelo Alvarez.
Vlad added Gervonta Davis into the discussion but admitted that while Davis is a big deal in boxing, “he’s not bigger than boxing.” Then came the bombshell.
Is Jake Paul the Biggest Name in Boxing?
White didn’t hesitate to say it: “There’s a guy named Jake Paul.”
Vlad took a moment to process before agreeing. “Yeah, actually, you’re right. The guy who just beat Mike Tyson… is Jake Paul.”
It might be a tough reality for boxing purists, but the numbers back it up. Love him or hate him, Jake Paul is a marketing powerhouse. He knows how to sell fights, secure big-name opponents, and generate massive revenue.
Consider this: According to CBS News, Paul earned a staggering $40 million for his fight against Mike Tyson, while Tyson took home $20 million. In comparison, Canelo Alvarez reportedly made $35 million from his fight with Edgar Berlanga. The numbers speak for themselves—Paul is not just a social media sensation; he’s a financial juggernaut in the boxing world.
Joe Rogan’s Bold Prediction: Paul vs. Canelo Could Still Happen
There was a time when a Jake Paul vs. Canelo Alvarez fight seemed like a possibility. However, that idea was quickly shelved when Canelo signed a lucrative four-fight deal with Turki Alalshikh’s Riyadh Season.
Still, UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan believes the fight isn’t entirely off the table. Speaking with filmmaker Peter Berg, Rogan revealed that Canelo was originally open to fighting Paul before finalizing his Saudi deal. Berg dismissed the idea as “ridiculous,” but Rogan disagreed.
He even argued that Jake Paul could last a few rounds against Canelo due to his size advantage. At the time of his fight against Mike Tyson, Paul weighed 227 pounds—a significant edge over the naturally smaller Alvarez.
Gervonta Davis and the Jake Paul Speculation
Following his controversial draw against Lamont Roach Jr., WBA Lightweight Champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis was asked about his future opponents. When a journalist mentioned Shakur Stevenson, Davis shut down the question. But when Jake Paul’s name came up? His response was simple: “Next question.”
Was that a hint at a possible showdown? Perhaps. But given that Davis competes at 135 pounds while Paul fights at over 200 pounds, such a matchup would be unprecedented. Then again, when it comes to Jake Paul, anything is possible—and fans would undoubtedly tune in.
So, Is Jake Paul Really the Biggest Name in Boxing?
The debate rages on. Traditionalists argue that established champions like Canelo Alvarez and Gervonta Davis still carry the sport’s legacy. However, when it comes to pure name recognition and financial power, Jake Paul is hard to ignore.
Does that mean Paul is the best boxer? No. But boxing has always been about more than just skill—it’s about entertainment. And right now, whether people love him or hate him, Jake Paul is at the center of the conversation.
What do you think? Is Jake Paul truly the biggest name in boxing, or is he just a marketing genius riding the wave of controversy?