The world of influencer boxing might be heading toward its next big spectacle as YouTuber IShowSpeed has publicly claimed he could knock out Jake Paul, sparking a sensational response from Paul’s team. Jake Paul’s manager, Nakisa Bidarian, upped the stakes with a $20 million offer for Speed to step into the ring.
At ComplexCon on 17 November, IShowSpeed, known for his viral antics and massive fan following, made the bold declaration:
“I feel like I can beat Jake Paul in a fight. Look, I respect his work ethic, but when I watch him box, he doesn’t look fluent. I feel like I could really get him.”
The comment immediately caught fire online, prompting Jake Paul to respond. While Paul dismissed the claim as a joke, his manager issued a formal challenge:
“Cool, tell him I have $10 million for him right now. If he beats Jake, he gets a $10 million bonus. Put your signature where your clout is.”
Jake Paul, fresh off a unanimous victory against legendary boxer Mike Tyson, is no stranger to attention-grabbing fights. With a professional record of 11 wins and just one loss, he’s one of the most polarising figures in boxing. IShowSpeed, on the other hand, is an entertainer without any professional boxing experience, raising questions about the legitimacy and logistics of such a match.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) have been quick to weigh in:
One user chimed in ; “Why on earth is Jake Paul calling out Speed?”
“Speed will beat that mid if he gets six months of training.” Another commented
“Because God forbid Jake Paul would ever face a real opponent again after the last time he got beat.” Added another.
One user quipped, “He’s done abusing the elderly, now he’s going for teenagers,” referencing Paul’s recent fight with 57-year-old Tyson.
While the prospect of Speed vs. Paul is intriguing, significant hurdles stand in the way. The weight difference between the two makes a professional match unlikely, and the fight would almost certainly have to be an exhibition. Additionally, Speed’s commitment to other pursuits—like his stated goal to compete in the 100m dash at the 2028 Olympics—raises doubts about his readiness to train for a fight.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul has turned boxing into a lucrative spectacle, attracting opponents ranging from MMA fighters to established boxing champions like Daniel “Dynamite” Dubois and Artur Beterbiev.
Whether this match materialises or not, the buzz around IShowSpeed and Jake Paul underscores the growing intersection of entertainment and combat sports—and how internet fame can make the improbable seem possible.
So, could Speed actually knock out Jake Paul? For now, fans will have to settle for the drama outside the ring.
