Jake Paul to face pro boxer Andre August in upcoming December Cruiserweight bout

Jake Paul’s upcoming fight against professional boxer Andre August marks a strategic shift, but is it a step towards legitimacy?

Elliot Nash

2 min read

November 9, 2023 - 12:39PM

Jake Paul to face pro boxer Andre August on Dec. 15. Picture: Supplied

Boxing/MMA

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The world of online entertainment and boxing is no stranger to Jake Paul, a YouTuber turned professional prize-fighter.

But he is taking a different route with his next challenge in the form of pro boxer Andre August, who he is set to face on December 15 in Orlando, Florida.

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Unlike his previous opponents, who were primarily older MMA fighters, August is a legitimate boxer with a record of 10 wins and one loss.

The bout will be contested at cruiserweight, with a weight limit of 200 pounds (91kg), and is scheduled for eight rounds.

Jake Paul’s journey into the world of boxing has been marked by both success and controversy.

His previous opponents, although accomplished fighters, were primarily known for their careers in mixed martial arts.

However, the decision to face August is a significant shift, as it represents a move toward taking on opponents who have dedicated their lives to the sport of boxing.

Jake Paul to face pro boxer Andre August on Dec. 15. Picture: Supplied

While this fight may not generate the same level of excitement as Paul’s previous bigger-name match-ups, it is a clear response to the criticism he has faced.

Many have called for him to test his skills against genuine boxers and August’s impressive professional record certainly makes him a credible opponent.

In a statement, Jake Paul expressed his determination to pursue greatness in the boxing world.

He stated: “I’m a professional boxer, and I want to be a world champion, so I need to pursue the path towards greatness against people who have been boxing their whole life.”

This highly-anticipated bout will be available for streaming on DAZN and, notably, will not be a pay-per-view event.

Jake Paul poses for a photo after defeating Nate Diaz. Picture: Getty Images

With a record of seven wins and one loss, Paul is coming off a unanimous decision win over former UFC star Nate Diaz in August.

However, before that victory, he suffered his first career defeat at the hands of Tommy Fury.

Despite the criticism he often faces, Paul has displayed solid boxing skills with victories over former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley. And then there was also his $96 million payday after his demolition of former-UFC fighter Ben Askren.

His business partner and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, Nakisa Bidarian, compared Paul’s willingness to face August to the early careers of other well-known boxers.

Bidarian explained: “Pound-for-pound, the great Terence Crawford fought a 9-14 opponent in his ninth fight, Canelo Alvarez fought a 0-1 opponent, and Gervonta Davis fought an opponent that had 31 losses.

“But Terence, Canelo, and Gervonta didn’t have the world watching. Jake Paul does, and he’s once again putting it all on the line taking on a 10-1 opponent.”

Andre August, who is currently on a five-fight winning streak, is making his first appearance in an eight-round bout. Picture: Supplied

August, who is currently on a five-fight winning streak, is making his first appearance in an eight-round bout.

He seems to be embracing the challenge with confidence.

In a statement, he declared: “Jake Paul has the money, the fame, the team, and the resources, but he doesn’t have my hunger. When that bell rings, I am going to go straight to Jake Paul and ring his bell and send him back to YouTube for good.”

The co-main event for the card will feature a WBC women’s super middleweight title fight between Shadasia Green and Franchón Crews-Dezurn.