JAKE PAUL has taken the boxing world by storm after literally transforming into a heavyweight star in just a few years.
The social media motormouth began his journey in the sport in 2018 in a white-collar match against English YouTuber Deji Olatunji.
In 2020, he competed in his first professional fight against AnEsonGib.
While the only blemish on his record is defeat to Tommy Fury in 2023.
Last year, he fought Mike Tyson that streamed live on Netflix to 100million viewers – winning by a unanimous decision.
It means he boasts a very credible 11-1 record since he began his journey.
The Jake that started this quest has also undergone an incredible body transformation.
From skinny YouTuber to a heavyweight Goliath, here’s how Paul has changed through the years.
Making his debut
In 2018, Paul defeated fellow influencer and KSI’s brother Olatunji by technical knockout in the 5th round.
But, he cut a far leaner figure then.
The 6ft 1in fighter reportedly weighed in at around 181 pounds – and was a lean, mean, fighting machine.
That fight in Manchester was the lowest he’s ever weighed.
Heavier specimen
Two years later, Paul returned to the ring for his first pro fight against AnEsonGib.
It was a cruiserweight contest, and the American made light work of the friend of the Sidemen – knocking him out in round one in Miami, Florida.
It was a bout that lasted barely two minutes.
Incredibly, Paul had put on nearly 10 pounds more of muscle – and the picture difference is very evident. He clocked in at 190 pounds.
Found his fighting weight
For his bouts against Tyron Woodley in 2021, Paul kept his weight to that same level he fought AnEsonGib with.
Again, he was around the 190 pound mark – slightly heavier than the former UFC champion.
Paul was bigger and better than his opponent, utilising his power to beat Woodley twice.
Their first fight came to a split decision, while the second was a 6th round knockout.
Coming back down
Looking for more agility against Anderson Silva, Paul actually dropped some pounds.
He came down to around 186 pounds, the same as Silva – surely with the belief it would give him more speed.
And he wasn’t wrong, either.
Paul outboxed his rival – winning by unanimous decision.
Although he cut a leaner figure, he was certainly as ripped as ever in 2022.
Taking on Fury
Astonishingly, Paul came down more for his next fight against Tommy Fury in 2023, when it seemed possible he would bulk up.
He was nearer the fighting weight from his debut all the way back in 2018 – this time tipping the scales at around 183 pounds.
Again, he was hoping for a more mobile body shape to help him deal with Fury’s speed.
It was his first and only loss, by split decision, and it encouraged him to beef up again.
Slightly heavier for Diaz
Certainly, Paul was already reaping the benefits of regular gym work in 2023.
At this point he was all muscle, and ahead of the taunting of UFC legend Nate Diaz was expected to come in heavier than the MMA fighter.
And needless to say he did, weighing in at 185 pounds – although he needed to use a towel to make weight.
Diaz weighed exactly the same, which was as heavy as he’s ever been before a fight.
Paul was the victor by unanimous decision after 10 hard-fought rounds.
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Career-high
In 2023, The Problem Child hit a career-high weight before taking on Ryan Bourland.
The bout took place in Puerto Rico and lasted just the one round.
No surprises that TKO’d his opponent in the opener, given his whopping weight.
Weighing at almost 200 pounds, he had plenty of might behind him with every punch.
Extensive gym work and a high-protein diet helped him bulk up for the occasion.
‘Iron Paul’
Last time out, Paul fought Mike Tyson in an epic event on Netflix.
He made short work of the much-older competitor, however it did go the distance.
Paul was declared victor by unanimous decision back in November.
But what was more impressive was his gargantuan size.
Incredibly, he came in at 227 pounds – which piuts him safely in the heavyweight category.
That means from 2018 to today, Paul’s had a weight swing of 45 pounds.
And doesn’t he look well for it?
