Jake Paul has called out the ‘sickening’ Paris Olympics Boxing controversy surrounding Angela Carini and Imane Khelif.
Paul, born January 17, 1997, in Cleveland, Ohio, is a multifaceted personality known for his work as a YouTuber, actor, boxer, and entrepreneur. Emerging initially on the now-defunct video platform Vine, Paul quickly gained popularity for his comedic skits and vibrant personality.
He transitioned to YouTube in 2014, where he expanded his reach, producing vlogs, pranks, and music videos. His channel, which boasts millions of subscribers, solidified his status as a social media influencer. Simultaneously, Paul ventured into acting, landing a role on the Disney Channel series “Bizaardvark,” which he starred in from 2016 to 2018. His time on the show, however, was marred by controversies and public disturbances, leading to his departure.
In addition to his online presence, Paul has made headlines for his boxing career. He entered the professional boxing scene in 2020 with a bout against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib, which Paul won by TKO in the first round. He continued to gain attention in the boxing world with subsequent victories over former NBA player Nate Robinson, mixed martial artist Ben Askren, and former UFC champion Tyron Woodley. His fights, often criticized as spectacle over sport, nevertheless drew significant pay-per-view numbers and mainstream media attention.
Paul’s entrepreneurial ventures include co-founding Team 10, a social media incubator and management company, aimed at nurturing and promoting emerging influencers. However, the venture faced multiple challenges, including legal issues and internal disputes.
His career has not been without controversy. He has faced numerous legal issues, including allegations of trespassing, disorderly conduct, and being involved in looting during the George Floyd protests. These incidents have often painted him as a divisive figure, drawing both criticism and a loyal fanbase.
Italy’s Carini left the ring after just 46 seconds, with a suspected broken nose, following a contentious match against Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who had failed a gender test at the previous year’s world championships.
Khelif was banned from competing in a gold medal match in Delhi by the International Boxing Association after failing a testosterone level test but has been allowed to fight at the 2024 Olympics.
Prior to the match, the Algerian Olympic Committee defended their boxer, issuing a statement condemning the criticism she faced.
The Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) stated, “COA strongly condemns the unethical targeting and maligning of our esteemed athlete, Imane Khelif, with baseless propaganda from certain foreign media outlets. Such attacks on her personality and dignity are deeply unfair, especially as she prepares for the pinnacle of her career at the Olympics. The COA has taken all necessary measures to protect our champion.”
Carini has since spoken out on why she called the fight off early. Talking to ANSA, she said:
“I got into the ring to fight. I didn’t give up, but a punch hurt too much and so I said enough.“I’m leaving with my head held high.”
Paul took to social media to shares his views on the controversial fight:
“To Angela Carini although your dreams couldn’t come true today because of the crazy agendas that are at play in our world at the moment, I would love to offer you to fight on an MVP undercard, to show the world your talents on a fair platform,”
Khelif was previously disqualified in the 2023 World Championships after failing a gender eligibility test due to higher levels of testosterone.