USA Boxing is turning to one of the sport’s most popular figures to boost excitement going into the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
The body that governs amateur boxing in the United States on Tuesday announced a partnership with Jake Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, a move it hopes will attract new fans to amateur boxing.
“This partnership between Paul and Team USA will be a joint effort to create a wave of excitement for boxing at this year’s Olympics, while educating USA’s best amateur boxing talent on the importance of building your skills inside and outside the ring,” USA Boxing said in a news release.
“In recognition of Jake Paul’s significant impact on the sport and the awareness he brings to the sport for younger generations, USA Boxing is partnering with him to bring fans inside the world of Olympic boxing through its unprecedented access to his massive audience in 2024.
“The groundbreaking partnership serves as Paul’s next step in his mission to provide a platform for young fighters and amplify global interest in boxing, and represents the first time a professional athlete and influencer has partnered with Team USA for the Olympics in this capacity.”
Paul said one of his goals is to bring attention to members of the U.S. team that will compete in the Olympics.
“It has always been my goal to shine a spotlight not just on boxing as a sport, but on the people who work so hard to be the best within it,” he said. “The mindset of pursuing greatness is one I both see and personally share with Mo McCane, Joshua Edwards, and the rest of Team USA’s boxing talent.
“The Olympics are the greatest stage in the world, and I’m honored to help bring awareness to USA Boxing and mentor these young, inspiring athletes as they fight for gold.
“Anyone who works hard enough to receive the honor to represent Team USA at the Olympics deserves a platform, so I’m looking forward to getting down to business in Colorado Springs with Coach Walsh and the rest of Team USA.”
Paul (8-1, 5 KOs) has become one of the best-known boxers in the world even though he has fought for less than four years and has only nine bouts.
That’s the result of his massive following – he has a reported 26 million followers on Instagram, for instance – and ability to market himself, which USA Boxing hopes will serve as an example to its boxers.
“Within just three years of becoming a professional boxer, Jake Paul has become a standout inspiration to younger generations and has emerged as one of the most exciting, influential figures in boxing history,” said Mike McAtee, Executive Director of USA Boxing.
“Jake’s mentorship will be a vital resource to the young athletes on Team USA to ensure they capitalize on building brand IP as they get the opportunity to perform on the biggest stage in the world at the most iconic contest in history – the Olympics.”
Paul is coming off a sensational one-punch knockout of Andre August on Dec. 15.
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