Jake Paul has sparked fresh controversy with a social media post emulating boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, just days after suffering a devastating knockout defeat to Anthony Joshua.
The Mayweather-Esque Display
In a photograph shared on Instagram, the 28-year-old American flaunted his earnings from the high-profile fight. The image, taken inside a private jet, featured wads of $100 bills scattered across the floor. Paul posed with several pieces of weaponry, including a gold-plated magnum, while smoking a cigar.
The post drew immediate comparisons to the infamous cash-flaunting pictures historically posted by former five-division world champion Floyd 'Money' Mayweather. Paul captioned the image with a message about the "American Dream," writing: "Start yours today. Believe in it. Fail. Work. Fail. Learn. Fail. Don’t ever stop."
Recovering From a Brutal Knockout
This bravado comes in the wake of a punishing loss for 'The Problem Child.' On Friday night at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua secured a sixth-round knockout victory.
Joshua, 36, landed a powerful right hand that left Paul's jaw broken in multiple places, requiring urgent surgery after the bout concluded. The Olympic gold medallist later praised his opponent's resilience, stating: "It takes a real man to do that... He kept on trying to find a way."
Despite the injury and defeat, Paul has remained highly active on social media. He has already vowed to continue his boxing career, expressing a desire to compete for world titles, particularly at cruiserweight, once he recovers.
Medical Suspension and Future Fights
Paul's return to the ring will not be immediate. As a result of the knockout, he has been handed a mandatory 60-day medical suspension, preventing him from competing during that period.
Meanwhile, Anthony Joshua used his post-fight interview to issue a direct challenge to fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury. "If Tyson Fury is as serious as he thinks he is... put on some gloves and come out and fight one of the realest fighters," Joshua declared. He hinted he would build towards that mega-fight with other bouts in 2026.
The spectacle underscores the continued blurring of lines between social media celebrity and professional sport, with Paul leveraging his online persona despite a significant sporting setback.
