Jake Paul Almost Walked Away with $100 Million (And Had the Balls to Bet $2M on Himself)

By Lewis Barnett 26 June, 2025 5 mins read 51 Views

Look, I've covered enough boxing drama to know when someone's bluffing about money. But Jake Paul dropping numbers like $100 million for a Canelo fight? That actually checks out.

The whole thing was apparently this close to happening back in May. Paul and Canelo Alvarez were supposedly hammering out details for a May 3rd Vegas showdown that would've been... well, completely insane.

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When Saudi Money Ruins Everything

But then Turki Alalshikh swooped in with his Saudi checkbook.

Canelo ditched the Paul talks faster than you can say "four-fight deal" and signed with the Saudis instead. Poor Jake got left holding his phone, probably staring at a text that just said "deal's off."

Paul spilled all this on the Iced Coffee Hour podcast (yeah, that's apparently where we get our boxing news now). When they asked about his potential payday, he didn't even hesitate: "Like $100 million."

The $2 Million Gamble That Never Happened

Here's where it gets really wild though.

Paul wasn't just planning to fight Canelo - he was gonna drop $2 million on himself to win. At +1000 odds (that's 10/1 for those keeping track), he would've walked away with $20 million extra if he somehow pulled it off.

"Against Canelo I was going to bet like $2m on myself," Paul said. "I would probably have been like a +1000 underdog so whatever teh maths is - if I would've bet $2m I would have made like $20m."

Nevada actually lets fighters bet on themselves to win, which feels like the kind of rule that exists specifically for situations like this.

From Iron Mike to... This

Instead of getting his $100 million Canelo payday, Paul's coming off that weird Netflix spectacle with 58-year-old Mike Tyson. 100 million people watched that trainwreck, which honestly says more about our society than I want to think about.

Now he's fighting Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. this Saturday. Chavez Jr. is 39 and... well, let's just say he's not exactly in his prime.

The Conspiracy Theory (That Might Actually Be True)

Paul thinks the boxing establishment sabotaged his Canelo fight on purpose.

"They don't want him to fight me because I have people who dislike me in the sport and don't want to see me succeed and win and be the biggest name in the sport," he claimed.

Honestly? He might not be wrong. The traditional boxing world treats Paul like a virus they can't quite shake. Meanwhile, Canelo's now set to defend his undisputed super-middleweight titles against Terence Crawford on September 13th in Vegas.

That's a real fight between real boxers. But it probably won't make anyone $100 million.

God, what a weird timeline we're living in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks associated with professional boxing?

Professional boxing is a contact sport and as such, it carries risks. These include acute injuries such as cuts, bruises, broken bones, and head trauma, as well as potential chronic conditions from repeated impacts, such as concussion syndromes or neurological disorders. Boxing regulations, safety gear, and proper training can help reduce risks. However, they cannot be completely eliminated. It is important to understand and accept these risks before you decide to box professionally.

How important is mental toughness in professional boxing?

Mental toughness and physical conditioning are equally important in professional boxing. The sport requires resilience, focus and the ability to handle stress, as well as the psychological fortitude needed to overcome adversity. Mental preparation involves stress management techniques and developing an aggressive mindset in order to overcome the challenges of the ring. Without mental toughness, a boxer may struggle to perform optimally under the intense conditions of professional competition.

What age can you learn to box professionally?

Professional boxing has age restrictions. Most boxing federations require that boxers are at least 18 to fight professionally. At the upper end of the spectrum, there is no age limit per se, but physical ability and health will limit an individual's ability to compete safely. The fitness of older athletes and the risks involved in taking up professional sports must be carefully assessed before they begin.

What is the basic training program of a Boxer?

The training regimen of a boxer is usually composed of several important components. Technical skill development, strength and conditioning exercises, sparring and mental preparation are all part of a boxer's training routine. Technique-focused workouts improve punch accuracy and defensive maneuvers, while tactical drills develop fight strategies. Training exercises increase athleticism and sparring gives you a practical fighting experience. Mental training is aimed at building resilience, confidence and focus.

How long does it typically take to become a professional boxer?

The time to become professional boxer can differ greatly. It is dependent on the starting level of the boxer, his/her ability to adapt, and how well he/she trained. In general, it takes several years of training and experience as an amateur to be ready for the professional world. Some talents will develop faster than others.

What is the minimum training required for professional Boxing?

For anyone to start training in professional boxing they must have a commitment to fitness, discipline and an open mind. Initial training involves mastering the fundamentals, including stance, footwork, punches, and defensive techniques. Joining a boxing gym that has experienced trainers with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved in professional competition is essential. Before they compete, novice boxers usually undergo a regimen of intense conditioning, drills and sparring.

Can anyone learn professional boxing?

Although boxing can be enjoyed by many, not all will have the skills to compete at professional levels. Professional boxing demands a unique combination of talent as well as physical abilities, mental strength and dedication. Prospective boxers should also be willing accept the inherent risk of the sport. A comprehensive screening by a trainer can help determine if someone has the potential for a professional career in boxing.

Statistics

Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
An analysis of boxing injuries suggests that 90% involve the head, neck, and face, emphasizing the importance of protective gear.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.

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How To

How to Balance boxing Training and Rest and Recovery

To prevent injury and burnout, it's important to find a healthy balance between your training and your recovery. Incorporate restdays into your training program to allow for your body's recuperation. Monitor your body's responses carefully; signs of overtraining include excessive fatigue, insomnia, or mood swings. Active recovery days, which involve light exercise, such as yoga or walking, can assist muscle recovery, while maintaining fitness levels. Lastly, pay close attention to your sleep quality and nutrition, as they are key components to effective recovery and maintaining training intensity.