Despite the pushback by hardcore fans, YouTubers and other celebrities in boxing are here to stay. You could thank pound-for-pound influencer Jake Paul for that.
Because of the unique nature of the fights, influencers have helped bring more eyes to boxing than ever before. The numbers never lie, and the steady stream of sold-out shows and massive streaming statistics prove this is far more than a fad. Of course, that influx stirs up the raging and polarizing debate regarding Paul KSI, and many others.
Another touchy topic: pound-for-pound rankings.
Unlike the topic of Terence Crawford vs Naoya Inoue vs. Oleksandr Usyk, Paul's record and run in boxing make him unquestionably the best influencer-turned-boxer today. He proved that when he beat "The King of Violence" Mike Perry this summer.
MORE: How much money has Jake Paul made in his career?
It appears he is in a league of his own, as rival KSI has not been able to take him off the top spot since the rankings were formed in 2022. It may be hard to take him off the top if he can beat legend Mike Tyson in Texas.
The Sporting News presents its YouTube boxing rankings, where we rate the top influencers in boxing.
The criteria for the list was based on the following:
- Overall record | "What have you done for me lately?"
- Popularity in and out of the ring
- Drawing ability
What did we get right? What did we get wrong? Follow the conversation via @SN_fights on Twitter and Instagram, and let us know!
YouTube boxing pound-for-pound rankings: The Sporting News' top 12
| Rank | Fighter | Record | Movement (July 29, 2024) |
| 1 | Jake Paul |
10-1 (7 KOs) |
- |
| 2 | KSI | 5-1-1 (4 KOs) | - |
| 3 | Slim Albaher | 7-0 (5 KOs) | - |
| 4 | Salt Papi | 5-2 (4 KOs) | +3 |
| 5 | Deen The Great | 5-0 (2 KOs) | -1 |
| 6 | Logan Paul | 1-1-2 (1 KO) | - |
| 7 | King Kenny | 5-3 (3 KOs) | +2 |
| 8 | Walid Sharks | 3-2-1 (2 KOs) | +1 |
| 9 | FaZe Temperrr | 3-2 (2 KOs) | -1 |
| 10 | DTG | 2-1 (2 KOs) | NEW |
| 11 | LeVeon Bell | 3-1 (1 KO) | NEW |
| 12 | AnEsonGib | 6-1 (3 KOS) | -7 |
The best in YouTube Boxing: Jake Paul
You could not rank YouTube boxers without including one of the most successful influencers in the world.
Jake Paul may have lost some momentum after losing to Tommy Fury in January 2023, but that does not diminish his achievements. Paul has knocked out Deji and AnEsonGib, two YouTubers. He also has taken out former NBA star Nate Robinson, former Bellator champion Ben Askren, and former UFC champion Tyron Woodley twice. In October 2022, "The Problem Child" beat Anderson Silva, one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time who had also moonlighted as a pro boxer.
"The Problem Child" knocked Fury down in February 2023, which is a win within a loss. He bounced back with wins against durable Nate Diaz and boxers Andre August and Ryan Bourland. In his most impressive outing to date, Paul knocked out bare-knuckle king Mike Perry in his last contest, securing a fight in November with Mike Tyson.
Paul has helped bring a new audience to boxing thanks to Most Valuable Promotions, working with Showtime, ESPN and DAZN. As a promoter, Paul also helped raise Amanda Serrano’s profile, resulting in a 2022 Fight of the Year against Katie Taylor. He also has helped give others a platform to succeed thanks to Most Valuable Prospects.
The Sporting News' Boxing Ratings
Rules | Men's P4P | Women's P4P | Heavyweight | Women's YouTube P4P