From YouTuber to one of the originators of influencer boxing, Logan Paul is a polarizing figure in the combat sports world. The 28-year-old competes in boxing and pro wrestling and has also trained in MMA. He continues to impress in the wrestling ring, where he exceeds expectations, and that could be his permanent home.
Paul competed in a boxing fight in 2023, beating MMA fighter Dillon Danis. Having full crowd support, a rarity for the controversial Paul, he made the most of his moment against his rival and forced a disqualification.
After that fight, Paul used his post-fight interview to call for a WWE United States Title match against Rey Mysterio. It worked, as Paul faced and defeated Mysterio to win the belt at WWE’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia.
“It's crazy. I really don't know how to comprehend what my life has become. I grew up in a city where things like this didn't really happen. I believe in myself, I work my a-- off, and next thing I know I'm fighting Rey Mysterio for the US championship and I won it,” Paul told Daily Mail.
“It feels amazing. I'm shocked, and I want to stay humble, but f--- that, it's so much more fun to be arrogant about it! This [belt] ain't leaving my side. This is one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. I'm gonna take over this industry, bro. I'm gonna be the best, and I've got to keep working really hard.”
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The “take over this industry” part is something to look into, especially given his status as a multi-combat sport athlete. Paul has adapted to pro wrestling with no issues compared to most.
What does the title win and his recent contract with WWE mean for his future in boxing?
Did Logan Paul retire from boxing?
After winning the WWE United States Title, Paul has paraded the belt around wherever he goes. He recently appeared at UFC 295 in New York with it, calling out Rey’s son Dominik. While there are rumors of a rematch between Paul and Danis, whether in boxing or an MMA cage, it appears Paul may be hanging up the gloves for good.
Paul recently signed an extension with WWE and has a full-time job promoting PRIME with KSI. While he could compete in both sports, "The Maverick" is focused on wrestling for now.
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"I think I’m retired from boxing. I’ve done enough going fully undefeated at 25-0. I’m going to be a wrestler now,” Paul told FOX Business via TalkSPORT. "No more money in boxing, every company is going broke. Full-time wrestler. Beat Rey Mysterio. Fair and square for the US Championship.
"I have to defend this belt. There are going to be people coming after me. Seth Rollins, LA Knight, Cody Rhodes. Whoever wants it, they can come get it. Mr. Bad Bunny. Whoever wants it can come get it. I have stuff to do in WWE.”
Logan Paul's boxing history
In 2018, at the Manchester Arena, Paul fought to a draw in an amateur boxing fight against KSI. The two would also compete in a rematch, this time as professionals, in a bout that was promoted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing. Hearn supported the fight after seeing the numbers that their first encounter generated. Paul vs. KSI 2 took place at the Staples Center in 2019, with 12,000 people watching KSI win a split decision.
Paul returned to the ring in 2021 to face boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in an exhibition. The bout went the distance but wasn't scored. “The Maverick” has since called out Mayweather for not paying him and threatened to sue the Hall of Fame boxer.
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After a few years away from the ring, Paul faced MMA fighter Dillon Danis in October 2023. The buildup to the fight was Danis harassing Paul's fiancée, who subsequently filed a restraining order against him.
Paul landed significant shots throughout the fight, while Danis either ran away or attempted to throw punches. Danis attempted a guillotine choke and a few takedowns on Paul, with the latter winning via disqualification. Paul called out Mysterio following the fight.