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Jake Paul, known for his foray into boxing, has announced an unexpected match against the relatively unknown Andre August, signaling a deviation from his past opponents' profile. Unlike former MMA fighters or influencers he's previously faced, August is a lesser-known figure in boxing circles hailing from Houston, boasting a record of 10-1-1. However, this seemingly unorthodox matchup has deeper significance for Paul, representing a step toward his boxing aspirations.
In an interview on The MMA Hour, Paul expressed his motivations behind this seemingly unexpected choice of opponent, stating,
"It's mostly for me, for my experience, my road to world championship, and to grow inside the squared circle."
The former YouTuber is determined to transcend the perceptions surrounding his boxing career, emphasizing his genuine intent to become a world champion.
Acknowledging his journey as a boxing prospect, Paul reiterated his commitment to the sport's fundamentals and experience-building, shedding light on his pursuit of authenticity within the boxing realm.
"This is the time I need to be able to get to that level of being the best in the world," he remarked, debunking any notions that his aspirations were merely a publicity stunt or financial endeavor.
Paul, following a mixed record in recent fights, aims to prove his mettle against August, elucidating that his ultimate goal is the pursuit of the world championship. Furthermore, his aspirations extend to facing established names in the sport, with an eye set on potential fights against Tommy Fury, KSI, and even Nate Diaz in the MMA realm, although negotiations for rematches haven't materialized as expected.
However, Paul is unwavering in his mission to climb the ranks, showcasing his serious intent to eventually face boxing's biggest name, Canelo Alvarez. He believes his path and performances against credible boxers will prompt Alvarez to consider a showdown.
"I think me vs. Canelo becomes a really interesting fight," Paul asserted, hinting at the potential intrigue surrounding such a bout.
The announcement of his upcoming fight against August has been met with a positive reception, eliciting support from fellow boxers and champions. Paul attributes this response to his genuine passion and dedication to boxing, which he perceives as his life's calling.
For Paul, 2024 appears to hold multiple fights on the horizon as he gears up to chase his dream relentlessly. With a conviction akin to 50 Cent's "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," Paul is unequivocal about his commitment:
"I'm going to become a world champion or die trying."