‘The Country Wants To See Him Get Knocked Out’: Dana White Talks Jake Paul’s Rise In Boxing

YouTube sensation turned professional boxer Jake Paul may be 3-0 in the ring, but it’s the way he’s going about his business that’s turning heads and dominating the conversation in the world of sports. 

“The thing is, in this business, it’s all about showmanship,” UFC President Dana White said on the latest episode of The Daily Wire’s Candace. “I mean, if you look at Conor McGregor and how he exploded, Floyd “Money” Mayweather and what he was able to do and turn himself into… the kid’s (Paul) a showman and he’s calling out UFC people to get more attention.”

In three professional fights, Paul has scored knockout victories over fellow YouTuber “Gib,” former NBA player Nate Robinson, and most recently, former UFC fighter Ben Askren — who, admittedly, came into the match with minimal boxing experience.

Now, Paul has his mind on bigger names, calling out current UFC fighters, among others.

According to White, such a decision would be unwise on Paul’s part.

“The kid’s making money. Can he fight? I doubt it,” White told Candace. “If you look at what he’s done, this isn’t going to last long, but he’s going to make some money. It’s an absolute gimmick.”

Following Paul’s most recent victory, actual fighters are lining up for their piece of the YouTuber — and the payday that’s sure to come along with it.

Former welterweight champion Tyrone Woodley made his intentions clear after the Askren fight.

Enjoy saying you are a fighter for another day. Try that shit against me i’m catching a body @jakepaul And you mob with hoes. I wouldn’t walk into a pillow fight with them. https://t.co/CKVwEH5Yj2

— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) April 18, 2021

It’s only a matter of time until Paul meets his match in the ring. White — the ultimate promoter — might understand and appreciate what Paul is doing, but he also knows the vultures are circling. 

“Listen, this kid is trying to make some money,” White told The Daily Wire in an exclusive interview. “I mean, this sport is all about showmanship and getting noticed to become a big star and to become a pay-per-view draw. You have to have something that other people don’t have. And the thing that this kid has is holy s**t, can this guy win? He’s a YouTuber. Can he win?” 

“They’ve caught on to a cool little niche, in the right place at the right time,” White continued. “This isn’t going to last forever. You’re not going to see Jake Paul, 28-0. No, that isn’t going to happen. But it’s interesting. And we’ll see how long the ride goes.”

White also knows that Paul’s current success helps the sport as viewers will continue to tune in to see the young gun with the big mouth get his just desserts. 

“The country wants to see him get knocked out,” White told The Daily Wire. “I mean, part of the whole appeal of this thing, it’s like, oh, I can’t wait to see this kid get knocked out, which is brilliant.” 

Joe Morgan is the Sports Reporter for The Daily Wire. Most recently, Morgan covered the Clippers, Lakers and the NBA for Sporting News

The views expressed in this piece are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.

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