Jake Paul is one of the most divisive figures in boxing today. His infamous nickname, “The Problem Child,” speaks volumes about the polarizing reputation he’s built as an influencer-turned-boxer. But beneath the bravado, Paul might just be one of the best things that’s ever happened to women’s boxing.
While Paul is often credited as a pioneer of the “influencer boxing” trend, he’s also a headline magnet thanks to his brash persona, wild statements, and masterful social media game. But what’s often overlooked is the real impact he’s having-especially on the women’s side of the sport.
He recently made waves by defeating former WBC welterweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr., but the headlines rarely focus on his behind-the-scenes efforts to elevate women’s boxing-starting with his star protégé, Amanda Serrano.
Amanda Serrano: Jake Paul’s greatest investment
In Countdown: Taylor vs. Serrano, Netflix’s documentary chronicling Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor’s rivalry, Paul recalled their first encounter over five years ago.
“My professional debut, Amanda was on the undercard, and I hadn’t heard of her or anything,” Paul said. “She was fighting off TV, which was insane-and that’s when we really hit it off.”
Paul was shocked by her story:
“What she’s been through-fighting in back-alley gyms, making $1,000 here, $2,000 there… I just couldn’t believe it.”
That disbelief turned into action. Paul offered Serrano a $5 million contract with his company, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), which completely transformed her career.
According to reports, Serrano earned $350,000 against Daniela Romina Bermudez, $400,000 against Yamileth Mercado, and a whopping $1 million for her first bout with Taylor-an amount that only increased in their following fights. But Amanda isn’t the only woman benefiting from Paul’s bold investment.
Paul’s vision: A future built for women fighters
Serrano was just the beginning. With business partner Nakisa Bidarian, Paul expanded MVP’s roster to include Alycia Baumgardner, Ramla Ali, Savannah Marshall, Chantelle Cameron, and even Holly Holm.
“I knew that if you had a trailblazer-which we believed Amanda Serrano was-it would make a real impact,” Bidarian explained.
Serrano remains the MVP of MVP, but the broader vision is clear: if Paul and Bidarian give even a fraction of the support to the rest of their female fighters, they could revolutionize women’s boxing-and rewrite its future.
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