YouTube star turned boxing sensation Jake Paul has always been an ambitious individual. And he has even bigger goals in mind for life after his run in the sweet science is done.
Paul has taken combat sports by storm over the last two years. Despite being a fighting neophyte, the 5-0 pugilist has become one of the most recognized names in the industry. In just two years he has headlined multiple pay-per-view events and even scored a multi-fight deal with fight game powerhouse Showtime Sports in 2021.
Like UFC superstar Conor McGregor, he is a brash and bold personality that became popular with fight fans because of his ability to back up with proclamations with fight-ending knockouts. Surely, his competition so far is questionable, but if what he does were easy to do, then everyone would. However, he is a gifted athlete with the gift of gab, and his rapid success in several industries has only enhanced his desire to tread more new ground in sports and entertainment.
Jake Paul has goals of competing in the NFL and Nascar
One of the goals the 24-year-old has been quite open about is his interest in eventually competing in an MMA cage. And in a Thursday interview on ESPN’s First Take, the “Problem Child” was asked about a future in cage fighting. However, in giving his answer, Paul also let it be known he has an interest in competing in a couple of non-combat sports too.
“I might mess around with [competing in MMA]. I was practicing my leg kicks the other day for the first time, and it was fun. I’ve got some big beefy legs. so I might go into MMA,” Paul said. “People forget I was an all-state wrestler in Ohio. Obviously, I already have the boxing skills, so I’m gonna go 10-0, maybe 12-0 as a boxer and then I’m either gonna go to MMA or to the NFL. Maybe Nascar. I’ve got a lot of options. I’m gonna go with the flow.”
First Take co-host, and long-time ESPN analyst, Stephen A. Smith was stunned by Paul’s NFL and Nascar revelations and followed up to get more details on the notion of the Ohio native in Nascar. And it seems Paul’s fascination with the driving sport has to do with his love for a certain 2006 racecar comedy film.
‘Problem Child’ would want to model his Nascar career after Ricky Bobby
“I’m gonna try and do both [NFL and Nascar] at the same time, 100%. My dream is to be like Will Ferrell in Talladega Nights. That’s my goal,” said Paul.
Ricky Bobby is a beloved character for many fans of the Saturday Night Live alums catalog of films. However, he may not be the best model for a real-life career, as you can see in the film’s trailer below.
Paul last fought in December, beating former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley by knockout in the pair’s rematch. “The Chosen One” was a short notice replacement after original opponent Tommy Fury pulled out of the fight two weeks before the bout due to a rib injury.
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